Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
I made these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting during a chilly weekend. It’s a great cozy apple dessert recipes that fit right into your fall baking plans or Thanksgiving dessert lineup—you’re going to want to keep this one close.
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This recipe is the kind of apple treat we always have on the table during Thanksgiving. It’s a no-fuss recipe that uses simple ingredients but still has those nostalgic fall flavors. It’s easy enough to make on a weekday but still feels special enough to share during the holidays.
You might also like to try my Warm Pumpkin Spice Muffins and my Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Muffins. Be sure to save this recipe and add it to your fall baking ideas.
How to Make Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
Ingredients you’ll need for the cupcakes
Ingredients you’ll need for the frosting
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the milk.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one-third at a time, until the batter is smooth. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until smooth. Fold in the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust with more caramel or salt if needed.
7. Once your cupcakes are cool, pipe the salted caramel frosting on top. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that final touch.
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Use baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji—they hold up well and add great flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy.
- Before frosting, make sure they’re fully cooled or the caramel frosting will melt right off.
- If making homemade caramel, let it cool to room temperature before whipping it into the frosting. Store-bought works too for a shortcut!
- These cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them if you live in a warmer climate.
Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup + 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large honeycrisp apple (or two smaller ones), diced into 1¾ cups
For the Frosting:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp caramel sauce (Ghirardelli’s is a great choice)
- Pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan with liners.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one-third at a time, until the batter is smooth. Fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until smooth. Fold in the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust with more caramel or salt if needed.
- Once your cupcakes are cool, pipe the salted caramel frosting on top. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that final touch.
