As a seasoned food blogger, I am thrilled to present a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall flavors – caramel apple cupcakes. These soft and moist cupcakes are infused with the sweet taste of apples and decadent caramel, both in the cake and the luscious buttercream frosting. Topped with apple slices and a generous drizzle of caramel, these cupcakes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Indulging in these caramel apple cupcakes is like savoring a caramel apple in a convenient cupcake form. The blend of apple goodness with the heavenly caramel topping creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting nostalgia of biting into a caramel apple at a fair, all in a handheld treat. Stay tuned for the recipe below, where I’ll walk you through creating these irresistible cupcakes at home.
Ingredients
Creating these delectable caramel apple cupcakes at home is a delightful adventure. Let’s gather the essential components for each layer of this sensational treat.
Cupcake Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup finely diced apples
Caramel Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup diced apples
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Required Tools and Equipment
To make these delicious caramel apple cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable. Here are the items you should have on hand before you begin:
- Cupcake pan: To bake the cupcakes, you will need a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
- Cupcake liners: Ensure you have cupcake liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan and for easy removal.
- Mixing bowls: Have a set of mixing bowls available for combining the cupcake ingredients and preparing the frosting.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a handheld one, will make mixing the cupcake batter and frosting much easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking, so make sure you have measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Piping bag and tips: To beautifully pipe the salted caramel buttercream frosting onto the cupcakes, you will need a piping bag and decorating tips.
- Saucepan: You will need a saucepan to prepare the apple compote for filling the cupcakes.
- Apple corer: If you prefer to core the apples easily for the compote, an apple corer will come in handy.
- Offset spatula: An offset spatula is useful for spreading and smoothing out the frosting on top of the cupcakes.
- Cooling rack: Have a cooling rack ready to cool the cupcakes before frosting them.
These tools and equipment will help you create these irresistible caramel apple cupcakes with ease and finesse.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Apple Filling
- Prepping your pan: This apple cupcake recipe yields slightly more than a dozen, so have a second muffin pan handy or bake in batches. I always use and recommend these parchment paper cupcake/muffin liners and this muffin pan has held up well with very regular use.
- Cupcake batter thickens: You’ll use melted butter in this cupcake batter, and because butter is solid at room temperature, the batter will begin to thicken. Make sure you bake the batter right away.
- Don’t overfill your liners: Fill your liners about 3/4 full with apple cupcake batter.
Making the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a second mixing bowl, whisk together butter and sugar. Add the eggs and egg whites until combined. Stir in milk and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold in the shredded apples.
- Divide the batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean, about 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cupcakes to the rack and let cool completely for about an hour before topping with buttercream.
- Fill a piping bag with the cinnamon apple filling and cut a small hole in the bottom that will fit in the cored cupcake but also allow the filling to be piped easily. Fill the cupcakes with the cinnamon apple filling.
Baking the Cupcakes
To bake the caramel apple cupcakes, follow these simple steps for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall.
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside an additional pan with 2 liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until combined. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then slowly mix in ½ cup of milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until well combined. The batter may have a few lumps, which is normal. Fold in the diced apples for a flavorful touch.
- Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full with the prepared batter to ensure the cupcakes rise evenly.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 21-23 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
By following these steps meticulously, you’ll create moist and flavorful caramel apple cupcakes that are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering.
Assembling the Cupcakes
- Filling the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a sharp knife or cupcake corer to create a cavity in the center of each cupcake. Be careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Fill each cavity with a generous spoonful of the prepared cinnamon apple pie filling, allowing it to slightly mound over the top.
- Adding the Frosting:
- Prepare the browned butter buttercream frosting by whipping it until light and fluffy.
- Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a decorative piping tip of your choice.
- Gently frost each cupcake with a swirl of the buttercream, covering the apple pie filling completely.
- Finishing Touches:
- If desired, drizzle each cupcake with a little extra caramel sauce for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few small apple slices on top of each cupcake for a decorative touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once assembled, these caramel apple cupcakes are ready to be served and enjoyed. Their moist, flavorful combination of caramel, apple, and warm spices is sure to delight your taste buds.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving these delectable caramel apple cupcakes, there are a few tips to ensure they look as delightful as they taste.
1. Garnish Creatively
Enhance the visual appeal of your cupcakes by garnishing them creatively. Sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon on top of the buttercream for a warm and inviting look. You can also top each cupcake with a small slice of fresh apple to hint at the flavors within.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
For a final touch of decadence, drizzle each cupcake with a generous amount of homemade salted caramel sauce. The sweet and salty combination elevates the flavors and adds a luxurious finish to your cupcakes.
3. Serve Fresh and Chilled
To enjoy the cupcakes at their best, serve them fresh and slightly chilled. The cool temperature enhances the flavors and textures, making each bite a delightful experience.
4. Pair with a Warm Beverage
For a cozy fall treat, pair your caramel apple cupcakes with a warm beverage such as a spiced apple cider or a cinnamon-infused coffee. The combination of flavors will create a perfect harmony for your taste buds.
5. Display Stylishly
When presenting your cupcakes, consider arranging them on a rustic wooden platter or a stylish cake stand. This not only showcases your baking skills but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your dessert table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
After enjoying these delectable caramel apple cupcakes, you may find yourself with leftovers that you want to preserve for later enjoyment. Here are some essential storage and make-ahead tips to keep your cupcakes fresh and delicious:
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer your cupcakes slightly chilled, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container. Remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cupcakes, you can freeze them. Ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Cupcake Batter: You can prepare the cupcake batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save you time on the day you plan to bake the cupcakes.
- Apple Filling: The apple filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Ensure it is brought to room temperature before filling the cupcakes.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: If you choose to make your salted caramel sauce, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently heat it before using for the buttercream.
By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can easily plan and prepare your caramel apple cupcakes ahead of time, ensuring that they are always fresh and ready to impress your guests.
Conclusion
Having explored the world of caramel apple cupcakes, I’ve shared essential tips and tricks to help you create these delectable treats effortlessly. From preparing the apple filling to baking the cupcakes and adding the finishing touches with buttercream and garnishes, every step is crucial in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. By following these guidelines, you can impress your guests with a stunning dessert that captures the essence of fall. Remember to utilize the make-ahead suggestions for convenient planning and storage options. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these caramel apple cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of apple and caramel in every bite!