Apple Pie Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Celebrate the essence of autumn with these moist, flavorful apple pie cupcakes topped with a rich salted caramel buttercream. Crafted using fresh apples and warm spices, these cupcakes combine the best of classic apple pie flavors with a modern cupcake twist.

Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights, each bite delivers a balance of tender cake, juicy filling, crumbly streusel, and smooth, luscious frosting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through every step for impeccable results.

Ingredients Checklist

To craft these irresistible apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream, gather the following high-quality ingredients. Precise measurements ensure consistent baking success:

Apple Spice Cupcake Batter

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour blend)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ⅛ tsp ground cloves

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds moisture)

• ½ cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice

• 1 ½ cups peeled, finely chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)

Apple Pie Filling & Streusel

• 1 cup prepared apple pie filling or homemade (recipe included below)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup homemade salted caramel sauce (recipe included)

• Pinch of fine sea salt

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed

• 1 tsp sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly balanced apple pie cupcakes with rich salted caramel buttercream.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling (if making from scratch)

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups peeled and diced apples, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp water.

2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and syrup thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.

5. Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream/apple cider mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in chopped apples gently.

7. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full with batter.

8. Spoon 1 tbsp apple pie filling into center of each cupcake.

9. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each.

10. Bake 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

11. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a dry saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar while stirring gently until amber color forms.

2. Add butter carefully (mixture will bubble), stir until melted.

3. Slowly whisk in warm cream until smooth.

4. Stir in sea salt and remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

Make Salted Caramel Buttercream

1. Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla and cinnamon, mix well.

4. Slowly beat in cooled salted caramel sauce.

5. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Using a piping bag, frost each cupcake with salted caramel buttercream.

2. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top.

3. Optionally garnish with cinnamon dust, chopped nuts, or pie crust leaf decorations.

Tips for Perfect Results

Master these expert tips to ensure every batch of apple pie cupcakes turns out flawless:

• Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.

• Chill the streusel topping before baking to keep it crumbly.

• Let cupcakes cool completely to prevent frosting from melting.

• Salted caramel sauce must be cooled fully before mixing with buttercream to avoid separation.

• Adjust sweetness by tasting buttercream before frosting; add more caramel or sugar as needed.

• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting.

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives and use coconut cream for the caramel.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your apple pie cupcakes experience with these creative serving ideas:

• Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

• Pair with hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte for cozy fall vibes.

• Garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts to add crunch.

• For festive occasions, decorate with edible gold leaf or caramel popcorn.

• Present on rustic wooden platters dusted with cinnamon sugar for charming autumn appeal.

Final Thoughts

These apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream bring together nostalgic fall flavors with a modern twist, offering moist cake, tender apple filling, and indulgent frosting.

By following detailed steps and tips, even novice bakers can create bakery-worthy treats at home. The flexibility to customize toppings, fillings, and flavors makes this recipe adaptable for all occasions and preferences.

Store leftovers refrigerated and enjoy within 3 days, or freeze unfrosted cupcakes for longer storage. This recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that impresses both family and guests with every delicious bite.