You all remember those delicious caramel apples we ate as kids? They were our preferred method for getting in that “apple a day” the doc suggested. We didn’t care how sticky we got eating every last bit of caramel and apple off that stick. Well, if you thought those were good, just wait until you try this Caramel Apple CUPCAKE version! It’s just as ooey, just as gooey and definitely just as sticky as a regular caramel apple! But somehow, it’s just sooooo much more delicious.
There are two parts to this recipe: the cupcake batter and the caramel topping. We’ll start by talking about the cupcake batter. What’s unique about this batter is that it has applesauce and shredded apples mixed into it. This makes for an incredibly soft and moist cupcake that simply melts in your mouth. It also gives you that tasty apple flavor in every bite.
For those who love making stuff from scratch, I suggest trying my Homemade Raw Applesauce and incorporating it into this Caramel Apple Cupcake recipe.
Now let’s talk about the show stopping caramel topping for these cupcakes. What I love about this topping is how easy it is to make and spread on top of the cupcakes. You don’t have to worry about pastry bags or perfectly piped frosting. All you have to do is melt that caramel in the microwave and scoop it right on top of your cupcakes with a spoon.
The caramel might ooze a little over the edge of your cupcake but that just adds to the aesthetic and appeal. You get to decide how much caramel you want on each cupcake and if you want that “caramel drip” effect or not. And if you want to make things easier, I would suggest removing the cupcake liners BEFORE topping your cupcakes. Otherwise, the caramel might cover part of the liner and make it harder to remove once they’re ready to eat.
But let’s face it, it will probably be hard to avoid sticky fingers with these cupcakes no matter what you do. That’s the beauty of caramel apples! Getting messy and feeling like a little kid again. Read on to see the full recipe for these delightful Caramel Apple Cupcakes!
Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy14
cupcakes15
minutes25
minutesYour favorite childhood dessert is now in cupcake form! These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are so gooey, sweet and full of apple flavor!
Ingredients
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup applesauce (try this homemade recipe)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 ¼ cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3 apples, shredded
- FOR CARAMEL TOPPING
11 oz bag of caramel bits
1 Tbs heavy cream
Crushed peanuts and sliced apples (optional for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add cupcake liners to a cupcake tray
- In a large mixing bowl add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, eggs and vanilla. Blend with a mixer on medium speed until smooth
- Add the flour, baking powder and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until well blended
- Add the shredded apples to the batter and mix with a spoon until well incorporated
- Add the batter to the cupcake tray filling each slot about ¾ of the way full
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes (check if cupcakes are done by sticking a toothpick in and seeing if it comes out clean)
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely and then prepare the caramel topping
- Add the caramel bits and heavy cream to a bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted and smooth
- Top each cupcake with caramel topping. You can add crushed peanuts and sliced apples on top if desired
