Name: Devastating Apple Spice Cupcakes With Frosting!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 and 1/2 cups, or 180g); 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 equal pieces; 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 5 Tablespoons heavy cream, divided; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar; optional garnish: salted caramel sauce and apple slices

Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

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Okay, friends, gather ’round! Fall baking is officially ON, and I’m kicking things off with one of my all-time FAVORITES: Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting. Seriously, these are the cupcakes I dream about all year long. The cozy spices, the tender apple bits, that *unreal* salted caramel… swoon!

Now, some of you might remember this recipe from way back in 2012. Yep, these little gems have been around awhile! But, trust me, they’re even BETTER now. I’ve given the recipe a total glow-up with gorgeous new photos, a super helpful video tutorial (because who doesn’t love watching frosting being made?), and a few extra success tips I’ve learned over the years. I have baked this recipe hundreds of times, and have tweaked it to perfection through my years of experience.

If you’re looking for that perfect fall treat to impress your friends and family (or, you know, just yourself!), look no further. These Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting are calling your name. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Perfect Fall Flavors

Seriously, the combo of warm apple spice and that salty-sweet caramel? It’s like autumn exploded in the BEST way possible. You just HAVE to try it!
Easy to Make

Don’t let that fancy frosting fool you! These apple spice cupcakes are so straightforward, even if you’re a newbie baker. I promise you’ll nail it!
Impressive Dessert

Need a showstopper for your next party? These cupcakes look and taste like they came straight from a bakery. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Ingredients for Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This isn’t one of those recipes where you can just wing it (well, you *could*, but I don’t recommend it!). To get those perfect Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. And when I say “packed brown sugar,” I mean *packed*! We want all that molasses-y goodness!

For the Apple Spice Cupcakes

1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour – Good ol’ AP flour, nothing fancy needed!
1 teaspoon baking soda – Gotta get that rise!
1/4 teaspoon baking powder – Just a little extra oomph.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweet. Don’t skip it!
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The HEART of apple spice!
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds that cozy warmth.
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – Make sure it’s not HOT, or it’ll cook the eggs!
2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar – I usually go for light, but dark works too for a richer flavor.
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar – For a touch of sweetness.
2 large eggs, at room temperature – Seriously, room temp eggs make a difference!
1/3 cup (80ml) milk, at room temperature – Same goes for the milk!
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla!
1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 and 1/2 cups, or 180g) – I like using Granny Smith for a bit of tartness, but Honeycrisp is great too!

For the Salted Caramel Frosting

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 equal pieces – Cold butter is key here!
1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar – Again, pack it in there!
5 Tablespoons heavy cream, divided – We’ll use this in two parts, so measure it out!
1/4 teaspoon salt – Salted caramel *needs* salt, duh!
2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar – Sift it if it’s lumpy!
optional garnish: salted caramel sauce and apple slices – Because why not?!

How to Make Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Apple Spice Cupcakes

Okay, let’s get down to business! First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! And grab a 12-cup muffin pan. You’ll probably need a second pan with just 2 liners, since this recipes makes a few extra.

Now, in a big bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just give it a good mix to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together your melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s all combined. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract – yum! After that, whisk in the milk.

Time to combine the wet and dry ingredients! Slowly add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and gently stir until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Then, fold in those lovely chopped apples. Be gentle!

Fill your cupcake liners about 3/4 of the way full with batter. This is key – you don’t want them overflowing! Pop ’em in the oven for 21–23 minutes. About halfway through, rotate the pan so they bake evenly. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! Take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. I know it’s tempting, but don’t frost them until they’re cool!

Preparing the Salted Caramel Frosting

Alright, onto the *best* part – the salted caramel frosting! Grab a saucepan and combine your butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly (I like using a rubber spatula for this) as the butter melts. Once the butter is melted, switch to a whisk to make sure those two are really combined.

Now, add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and the salt. Whisk it all together! Then, stop whisking (important!) and attach a candy thermometer to your pan, making sure it’s not touching the bottom. Let the caramel boil, giving it a quick whisk every 30 seconds or so, until the temperature reaches 230°F (110°C). Careful, it’s HOT!

Remove the saucepan from the heat, give it another quick whisk, and let it cool for a minute. Then, carefully transfer the caramel to a heat-proof mixing bowl (set on a cooling rack) and cool for just 15–20 minutes before continuing. This is important, because the caramel sauce thickens during this time. Don’t rush it!

Sift in your confectioners’ sugar and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Using a handheld or stand mixer (with the whisk attachment), beat on medium-low speed until the ingredients are incorporated. Then, turn the mixer up to high speed and beat for 1 minute. Be super careful not to over-mix, or the frosting will start to “break” and separate. Not good! Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes before filling your piping bag, so it has a chance to thicken up to a nice, pipeable consistency. Patience is a virtue, my friends!

Frosting and Decorating the Apple Spice Cupcakes

Finally! Once your cupcakes are completely cool and your frosting is ready, it’s time to frost and decorate! I like to use a piping bag for a pretty swirl, but you can totally just use a knife or spatula if you prefer. Get creative!

And for that extra touch of deliciousness, drizzle with some extra salted caramel sauce and top with some thin apple slices. So fancy, right? Enjoy your gorgeous Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting!

Tips for the Best Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Want to make sure your Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting turn out AMAZING? Of course you do! Here’s a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to cupcake perfection.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Seriously, this is a big one! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, and that leads to tough, chewy cupcakes. We want tender and fluffy! So, mix until just combined, okay?

Cool Cupcakes Completely

I know, I know, it’s tempting to frost them right away. But trust me, frosting warm cupcakes is a recipe for melty, messy disaster. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before you even THINK about frosting.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

This makes a HUGE difference! Room temperature eggs and milk create a smoother batter that bakes up more evenly. Plus, they combine better with the butter and sugar. So, plan ahead and take those ingredients out of the fridge a little while before you start baking!

Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the original Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting (go you!). Now, wanna get a little crazy and switch things up? Here are a few fun ideas to play with!

Different Spices

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the nutmeg for a pinch of ground ginger or allspice. It’ll give your cupcakes a totally different vibe!

Add Nuts

Chopped walnuts or pecans would be AMAZING in these cupcakes! You could fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting. Yum!

Caramel Swirl Cupcakes

Want even *more* caramel? Before baking, swirl a spoonful of caramel sauce into the cupcake batter. It’ll create a beautiful marbled effect and add an extra burst of caramel-y goodness!

Storing Your Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

So, you’ve made these amazing Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting… and maybe, *just maybe*, you have some leftovers? Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious!

Room Temperature Storage

If you’re planning on eating your cupcakes within a day or so, you can totally store them at room temperature. Just pop them in an airtight container (a cupcake carrier is perfect!) to keep them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage

Want to keep those cupcakes fresh for longer? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Cold frosting isn’t quite as amazing, ya know?

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Got questions about these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get asked all the time.

Can I make these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead of time and store them (unfrosted) in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also make the salted caramel frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before frosting the cupcakes.

Can I freeze these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting?

Yep! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them completely at room temperature before frosting. I don’t recommend freezing the frosted cupcakes, as the frosting can get a little weird after thawing.

What if my Salted Caramel Frosting is too thin?

Don’t panic! If your salted caramel frosting is too thin, sift in a little more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, or it will become too sweet!

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

While I haven’t tried it myself, some bakers have had success substituting applesauce for chopped apples. I’d recommend using unsweetened applesauce and reducing the amount of milk slightly to compensate for the extra moisture. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different!

Nutritional Information for Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Okay, quick disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just a rough estimate! The nutritional info will vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients you use, so keep that in mind!

Enjoy Your Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting!

Alright, cupcake lovers, that’s a wrap! I seriously hope you enjoy these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting as much as I do. And hey, if you make ’em, be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! I wanna know what you think! Sharing is caring – so tag me on social media, too!