Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Caramel apple cupcakes are moist, tender cupcakes that start with a box of cake mix and fresh apples and ends with a homemade caramel buttercream. It’s the perfect fall dessert!
Alright, it’s that time of year. We have to have the Fall debate on what is better apples or pumpkin. We are firmly team apple (though I do love a good pumpkin pie dip).
All things apple from this delicious caramel apple cupcakes recipe to caramel apple dip, or cinnamon sugar baked apples and apple spice cake are at the top of our list for fall desserts.
These easy cupcakes start with a box of yellow cake mix and with a few additional ingredients and an amazing homemade caramel buttercream frosting they capture that caramel apple at the state fair flavor that I associate with happy fall memories.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
We broke the ingredients down into two lists: for the frosting and for the cupcakes.
Here’s what you’ll need for the frosting:
- Sugars – You’ll need both powdered sugar to help give the frosting body and brown sugar for the caramel apple flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Allow the butter to sit out at room temperature until it becomes softened.
- Caramel sauce – We like Smucker’s caramel sauce, but you can use your preferred brand.
For the Cupcakes:
- Granny Smith Apples – If you make any changes to the apple, be sure to use an equally tart apple that is similar to a Granny Smith.
- Yellow Cake Mix – You’ll also need any of the ingredients listed on the box like eggs, water, and oil or butter.
Instructions
For the frosting, follow these instructions:
Step 1 – Mix the confectioner’s sugar and butter. This creates the base of the frosting.
Step 2 – Mix in the caramel sauce. Make sure to thoroughly mix the caramel sauce into the frosting. Keep beating the frosting for approximately 2 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Step 3 – Frost and decorate cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are cool, use a piping bag and tips or knife to frost them. Once they are covered in frosting, drizzle some additional caramel sauce on top and place a small apple slice on each for added decoration.
For the cupcakes, follow these steps:
Step 1 – Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the box.
Step 2 – Prepare the batter. To do this, mix all the ingredients listed in the instructions on the back of the box in a large bowl.
Step 3 – Mix in the apple. Add the grated apples and mix until incorporated.
Step 4 – Pour into cupcake liners and bake. Place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan and then fill them until they are about ¾ full. Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Does the Type of Apple Matter?
Yes! Yes! YES! Apples have different sweetness and moisture levels, which can affect the flavor and the texture of cupcakes. Granny Smith apples are almost always used for baking because they have the right combination of sweetness, tartness, and moisture.
In other words, they won’t make the cupcakes too sweet. And their low moisture will not interfere with the rising batter, so they will be light, fluffy, and delicious.
What Type of Caramel Should I Use for the Buttercream?
When you make the frosting, you will want to use a runny caramel sauce. This makes it easier to incorporate into the frosting.
We used Smucker’s sundae sauce caramel flavor, but Ghirardelli premium caramel sauce or any other sauce that easily flows out of the container will work fine too.
For a Smooth Frosting Make It Ahead of Time
The brown sugar in the frosting can give it a slightly grainy texture. This doesn’t affect the flavor, so you can use it right away, but you get the best result if you make it a day in advance.
You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time if you like. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature as long as you are using it within a week of making it.
When you’re ready to frost, use a mixer with the whisk attachment to fluff the frosting up and then add to your piping bag. It should be stiff enough to create lovely designs with most frosting tips.
How to Make it Ahead of Time
If you want to make these cupcakes for a party or to bring to a friend’s house, you can bake them up to 2 days ahead of time. To keep them fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container until ready to frost.
Once frosted, the cupcakes will last in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Whether you plan to take them to a party or just serve them to your family, we highly recommend this cupcake container. It is easy to tote and you can add additional layers to it if you plan to make large amounts of cupcakes.
Looking for More Cake & Cupcakes Recipes?
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Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Ingredients
Apple Cupcake
- 2 cups Granny Smith Apples, grated
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix, and ingredients listed on package
Caramel Frosting
- 2.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons Caramel Sauce
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven according the cake mix instructions.
- Mix the ingredients for the cake mix up according to the package using all ingredients listed on the back of the box.
- Add 2 cups of grated apples to the mix and fold it into the batter.
- Prepare a cupcake pan by placing a cupcake liner into each cup.
- Fill each cupcake liner approximately with cake batter. Each one should be filled approximately 3/4 full.
- Place cupcake pan in the oven to bake for 12-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- When cupcakes are baked remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
- While the cupcakes cool make the frosting. Place the Mix the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and butter in the bowl of your mixer and mix with the whisk attachment until well combined.
- Add the caramel sauce to the frosting and mix thoroughly. Keep beating on high until it is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Place the frosting in a piping bag and frost each cupcake. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top if you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The brown sugar in the frosting can give it a slightly grainy texture. This doesn’t affect the flavor, so you can use it right away, but you get the best result if you make it a day in advance. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time if you like. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature as long as you are using it within a week of making it.
Wow, caramel apple cupcakes could there be a better combination!? You’re pics are definitely making my mouth water. Can’t wait to try these!
Yessss, marshmallow fluff inside! So, so good you guys!!
These looks amazingly good!!
These are beautiful…and bet they taste awesome !!
Lovely cupcakes! Oh my the caramel fluff sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try them!
Oh my, these look fantastic – one of my most favourite combinations of flavours. I found you through Thank Goodness its Thursday – Feel free to add to #Bakeoftheweek too x
My goodness, these look and sound amazing! Pinning! Would be thrilled if you shared them at our link party please 🙂 Have a great rest of the week!
These look delicious!!! Yummy 🙂 Can’t miss with caramel and apple together!
I am swooning over how perfect these cupcakes look! Caramels and apples will always be an awesome combo and you definitely did it justice in these gorgeous cupcakes!
Mmm, this sounds really yummy! Definitely saving this recipe for later to try after I shed some of these winter time pounds I’ve put on. *UGH* TGIF, let the weekend begin! 😉
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Oh my gracious. I need these right now! Pinning!
Oh YUM!! I need one now please! 😉
Mmmm…looks yummy, especially the frosting! Thanks so much for linking up at Best of the Weekend!
These cupcakes look absolutely amazing. I LOVE cupcakes, and I LOVE caramel apples so this is going to be such a yummy treat and soon to be one of my favorites too. Hehe! Thanks for sharing! PINNED!
These looks cute and sound DELICIOUS !!
These caught my eye on Catherine’s Corner Thursday Favorite Things party. Yum! I’ll have to make these asap!
All things Apple! YUM!!
visiting, once again, from Friendship Friday
Wow, these cupcakes looks so yummy! What a great combination with the apples and the caramel.
So good!
Bev
Oh these sound amazing. Apple, caramel and cupcake….swoon!!!
Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning.
THese sound so good! Thanks for linking up to the Creative exchange!
What an awesome idea- I love the caramel and apple flavor combo, and even more so because it’s a doctored up cake mix recipe (keep it simple!).
I stopped by from Motivation Monday.
What a great way to turn a packet cake mix into something a bit more special. I love apple cakes but I have never thought of adding it to a packet mix. Great idea for when you are in a hurry – thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness! These look more than amazing! Thanks for sharing! I am definitely pinning this recipe! 🙂
Hello!! Just wanted to let you know I will be using this in a round up (posting soon) from the Teach Me Tuesday party! Very much appreciate you linking up with us 😉
I’m loving this! You always bring such amazing things to our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight at 7. I can’t wait! Lou Lou Girls