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Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

These Caramel Apple Cupcakes combine the warm, spiced flavors of a boxed spice cake mix with fresh chopped apples, topped with a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting and a gooey caramel drizzle. Perfectly moist and flavorful, these cupcakes are decorated with vibrant red and green frosting and finished with a sweet caramel topping, making them ideal for festive occasions or a cozy dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 boxed Spice Cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 apple, chopped

Salted Caramel Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (if using salted butter, omit the salt)
  • 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce or caramel sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or sea salt
  • Green food coloring
  • Red food coloring

Caramel Drizzle and Garnishes

  • 1 bag caramel bits
  • 3–4 tablespoons water
  • Optional: pinch of salt or sea salt
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Optional toppings: salted peanuts, toffee, mini chocolate chips, colorful mini M&M’s

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the boxed spice cake mix with 3 eggs, ½ cup oil or melted butter, and 1 cup water. Use an electric mixer on low speed for one minute, then increase to high speed and mix for an additional minute. Fold in the chopped apple until evenly distributed.
  3. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  4. Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for 1 minute until creamy. Add the salted caramel sauce and continue beating on medium for 2 minutes to incorporate.
  6. Add Sugar and Salt: Gradually add in the powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt, beating on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into two separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one and green food coloring to the other, mixing well to achieve vibrant colors.
  8. Frost the Cupcakes: Using an offset spatula or piping bag, decorate the cooled cupcakes with the red and green frostings in any pattern you like to create a festive look.
  9. Melt Caramel for Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel bits with 2 tablespoons of water in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted. Add an extra tablespoon of water and stir to achieve a gooey caramel consistency suitable for drizzling. If too thick, add one more tablespoon of water cautiously; if too runny, melt more caramel to thicken.
  10. Drizzle Caramel: Let the caramel cool for about 5 minutes to avoid excessive dripping. Then spoon or pipe the caramel onto the center of each cupcake over the frosting.
  11. Add Popsicle Stick and Garnish: Insert a popsicle stick into the center of each cupcake for a fun presentation. Optionally, sprinkle toppings like salted peanuts, toffee, mini chocolate chips, or colorful mini M&M’s over the caramel drizzle.
  12. Storage: Store the cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.

Notes

  • Using unsalted butter in the frosting allows you to control the salt level; omit added salt if using salted butter.
  • The apple adds moisture and texture; be sure to chop it finely to distribute evenly.
  • When melting caramel bits, add water gradually to ensure the consistency remains gooey and perfect for drizzling.
  • Letting the caramel cool slightly prevents it from dripping excessively off the cupcakes.
  • Adjust the food coloring intensity to your preference for brighter or softer colors.
  • For a firmer caramel drizzle, allow it to set slightly before serving.
  • These cupcakes can be customized with various toppings to enhance texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cupcakes, spice cake cupcakes, salted caramel frosting, caramel drizzle cupcakes, fall dessert, apple dessert

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Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/caramel-apple-spice-cupcakes-recipe/