Capture the essence of autumn with these delightful Caramel Apple Cupcakes, topped with a luscious caramel buttercream. Perfectly moist and flavored with caramel and apple, each bite brings a taste of your favorite caramel-dipped apple in cupcake form. These treats are ideal for fall gatherings, bake sales, or simply indulging at home. Decorated with fresh apple slices and an extra drizzle of caramel, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 box caramel cake mix (or substitute with butter golden or spice cake mix)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup apple juice concentrate
- ½ cup 2% milk
- ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
Caramel Buttercream Frosting
- ⅓ cup vegetable shortening
- ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
- 4½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple juice concentrate
- ⅔ cup caramel ice cream topping
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- Apple slices (for decoration)
- ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the caramel (or alternative) cake mix, eggs, apple juice concentrate, milk, and softened butter. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake: Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool entirely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.
- Cream Butter and Shortening: In a large bowl, beat the vegetable shortening and softened butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Add the apple juice concentrate, caramel ice cream topping, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the frosting consistency if needed by adding a bit more powdered sugar if too thin or a teaspoon of apple juice concentrate if too thick.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake generously with the caramel buttercream.
- Decorate: Garnish each cupcake with a thin slice of apple and drizzle with extra caramel ice cream topping for an extra touch of indulgence.
Conclusion:
These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of flavors that make fall baking so wonderful. With moist, caramel-infused cake and a smooth caramel buttercream, each bite is a celebration of seasonal sweetness. They’re simple to make and beautiful to serve, bringing the nostalgic flavors of caramel apples into a delightful cupcake form that everyone will enjoy.