Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
12 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup applesauce
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large apple, peeled and shredded (about ½ cup)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Fill a 12-count muffin pan with liners and set aside.
  3. To make the cupcake batter, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice in a medium bowl.
  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the oil mixture and whisk to combine.
  6. Add shredded apples and mix until just combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling each well about ⅔ full.
  8. Bake for 20-23 minutes until cupcakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature.
  9. Meanwhile, make the frosting: Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until smooth.
  10. Add caramel sauce, salt, flaky sea salt, and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy.
  12. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe on the frosting.
  13. Decorate with apple slices and extra caramel sauce, if desired, before serving.