Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Discover the Perfect Fall Recipe!
Delicious and moist caramel apple cupcakes filled with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with a crunchy streusel and caramel drizzle, perfect for fall.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for streusel)
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, spices, baking soda, salt). In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add sour cream and apples.
- Line cupcake tin with liners. Fill each halfway with batter, drop a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center, then top with more batter.
- Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter into crumbs. Sprinkle generously on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes until golden. Once cooled, frost with vanilla buttercream, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle more crumble on top.
Notes
- For best results, use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 4g