If you are looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, you will absolutely adore this Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes combine the tender warmth of spiced apples baked right into a fluffy cupcake base with a luscious, rich salted caramel frosting that adds a hint of indulgence to every bite. Whether for a family gathering, a festive party, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these cupcakes bring the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and that irresistible creamy caramel finish that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe is simple but essential, contributing to the overall harmony of flavors and textures. From the fragrant spices and fresh apples to the creamy caramel frosting, every element adds depth and mouthwatering appeal to this delightful dessert.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundational base that ensures a soft, tender cupcake crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly, keeping them light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to provide just the right lift and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, warm spice that complements the apple beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle depth of flavor unparalleled in fall desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moistness to the cupcake batter.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with proper browning during baking.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Contributes a caramel-like flavor and keeps the cupcakes tender.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a mellow, sweet aroma that enhances all flavors.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cupcakes incredibly tender.
- 1 1/4 cups peeled and finely chopped apples: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and delightful texture.
- For the salted caramel frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 2 cups powdered sugar; all combine to create a luxuriously creamy, perfectly balanced frosting.
How to Make Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture ensures your cupcakes have the perfect spice blend and rising power for a tender texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving those cupcakes that lovely soft crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. These ingredients boost flavor and moisture, making your cupcakes irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cupcakes tough, so gentle folding is key. Then, carefully fold in the finely chopped apples, ensuring each bite bursts with fresh apple goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving on to the frosting step.
Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool for 10 to 15 minutes before beating in the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy—this creates the classic, dreamy frosting that makes this Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe so special.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, spread or pipe the salted caramel frosting generously on top. The frosting will thicken as it cools, so you can adjust consistency with a splash of cream or more powdered sugar if needed. Now they’re ready to be savored!
How to Serve Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing your cupcakes with a light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra pop of flavor. Thinly sliced apple chips or chopped toasted pecans also make fantastic toppings that add crunch and elegance.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine alongside simple sides like a warm cup of spiced cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A creamy chai latte also pairs beautifully, enhancing the cupcake’s warm spices and caramel notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe on a tiered dessert stand or rustic wooden board. Wrapping each cupcake with a delicate ribbon or placing a small cinnamon stick beside one adds a charming homemade gift vibe that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to maintain the texture and safety of the caramel frosting, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then frost with the salted caramel frosting freshly made or previously prepared and softened.
Reheating
For a warm, just-baked feel, gently warm unfrosted cupcakes in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid heating frosted cupcakes directly, as the frosting can melt; instead, let them come to room temperature naturally to preserve texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp are ideal for balancing sweetness, you can experiment with varieties you enjoy. Just keep in mind that some apples may affect the texture or sweetness slightly.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the batter?
Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the flavor and keeps the cupcakes tender. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Can I make the salted caramel frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, bring it to room temperature and beat it briefly to restore its fluffy consistency.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually to thicken it up while maintaining smoothness.
Can I turn this Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe into a layered cake?
Yes! You can bake the batter in cake pans instead of cupcake liners and adjust the baking time accordingly. Use the salted caramel frosting between layers and on top for a sensational apple-spiced treat in cake form.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of tender apple spice cupcakes with a smooth, salted caramel frosting that makes this Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dessert that brings warmth and smiles around the table, showcasing the best flavors of the season with every bite. Once you’ve made these cupcakes, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Print
Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cupcakes topped with a rich and creamy Salted Caramel Frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these cupcakes combine the sweet-tart taste of fresh apples with the decadent caramel topping, making them an ideal dessert for fall or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 small apples)
For the salted caramel frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy cupcake removal and cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender, airy cupcake crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream for moisture and flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cupcakes dense.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold in the finely chopped peeled apples to evenly distribute fruit without deflating the batter.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the paper liners, filling each about two-thirds full to leave room for rising during baking.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool cupcakes: Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely in the tin before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Make the salted caramel frosting: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
- Finish the frosting base: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the mixture cool 10–15 minutes to avoid melting the powdered sugar.
- Add powdered sugar: Beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and pipeable; adjust thickness as needed.
- Frost the cupcakes: Spread or pipe the salted caramel frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Use sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast and texture in the cupcakes.
- The frosting will thicken as it cools; adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of extra heavy cream to thin it out, or more powdered sugar to thicken.
