Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Toasted Pecan & Cream Cheese Frosting
These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are the ultimate cozy fall dessert — soft, spiced cupcakes filled with tender apple bits, topped with rich cream cheese frosting, drizzled with silky caramel sauce, and finished with toasted pecans. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or a comforting treat at home! 🍏🧁✨
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup apples peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4–1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk optional, to thin consistency
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- 12 toasted pecan halves one per cupcake
- 2–3 tbsp chopped toasted pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing on low until combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and optional pecans.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Toast pecans in oven for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until fragrant.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and milk if needed.
- Frost cupcakes, drizzle with caramel, and top with toasted pecans.
Notes
For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle. Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch. 🧁🍏