Hey fellow busy moms! Juliette here from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. Let’s face it, finding recipes that are both delicious AND nutritious for our families can feel like a never-ending quest. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a dinnertime nutrition win in my house – a Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe!

I’ll never forget the first time I made these. My youngest was going through a “beige food only” phase (sound familiar, anyone?), and I was desperate to sneak some fruit into his diet. I thought, “Why not try to make apple cupcakes with caramel frosting?” He was instantly hooked! The Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe was born, and it quickly became a family favorite.

This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe supports our family’s nutrition goals by packing in real apples and using simple ingredients I feel good about. It’s a sanity-saving nutrition hack that I can’t wait to share with you. It’s also a great fall cupcakes recipe! I’m so excited to share this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe with all of you!

If you’re a busy mom seeking simple nutrition solutions that don’t sacrifice taste, you’re in the right place. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: (or a gluten-free blend for those with sensitivities).
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting flavor and a touch of antioxidants.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: For a little extra spice!
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: I use grass-fed butter for extra nutrients.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
2 cups peeled and diced apples: (I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith).
1 cup caramel sauce: (store-bought or homemade).
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup milk

For the frosting, no worries if you don’t have buttermilk – I use a tablespoon of lemon juice in regular milk as a substitute for extra zest in my Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe.

Here’s a Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health – I often sneak in a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for added fiber and omega-3s. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. I get my flaxseed meal at Sprouts!

This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Shop smart, and you can easily feed your family well on a budget! Remember, this easy caramel apple cupcakes recipe is all about making nutrition achievable. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the caramel frosting.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get baking these amazing Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it step-by-step.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe usually takes about 30 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just as well for this easy caramel apple cupcakes recipe.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Your Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe should smell amazing by now!
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Gently fold in the diced apples. This is where the magic happens.
Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t worry if your Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe looks slightly golden on top – that’s perfect!
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the caramel frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the caramel frosting.
Drizzle with extra caramel sauce, if desired. I like to add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty kick to the apple cupcakes with caramel frosting.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe – I would always overmix the batter, resulting in tough cupcakes. Learn from my experience and mix until just combined. While your Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family. The homemade caramel apple cupcakes taste amazing!

Here’s a Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe nutrition shortcut – use pre-diced apples to save time! This nutritious Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is a delicious way to incorporate fruit into your family’s diet. I’ve found that using high quality caramel is also important. I love the recipe by Caramel Apple Cupcakes – Mom On Timeout.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this nutritious Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe when I serve it with a side of Greek yogurt topped with berries. The yogurt adds extra protein and calcium, while the berries provide antioxidants and fiber. It’s a balanced and satisfying treat!

We also love to enjoy these apple cinnamon cupcakes caramel with a warm glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea. It’s the perfect combination for a cozy evening.

This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also a hit at school bake sales and potlucks. I always get requests for the recipe!

Presentation matters, even when you’re short on time. I like to arrange the Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe on a pretty platter and sprinkle them with a little extra cinnamon. It makes them look even more appealing. We also enjoy these as a fall cupcakes recipe!

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. My friend loves the Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter. You can also use different types of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, to change the flavor profile.

My family loves this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe so much that they often ask me to make it for special occasions. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time! The recipe for Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Homemade Caramel Sauce from Life Love and Sugar is delicious too.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you busy moms have questions, so let’s get to them! Here are some common concerns I hear about this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe:

Is this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe contains real apples, which are a great source of fiber and vitamins. The buttermilk adds calcium and protein, and you can always sneak in some extra nutrients with flaxseed meal or whole-wheat flour. The key is to focus on moderation and balance. It’s a treat, but a treat with added nutritional benefits!

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe?

I feel you! With my youngest, I started by letting him help me make the Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe. He was more likely to try something he helped create. You can also try reducing the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg if your child is sensitive to those spices. Sometimes, just calling them “apple cupcakes” is enough to pique their interest!

Can I meal prep this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe for busy weeks ahead?

Yes, you can! Bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Make the frosting the day you plan to serve them. This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is perfect for those days when you need a quick and easy treat.

Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.

Can I make this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by a ¼ cup. However, you may need to add a little more liquid to the batter to maintain the correct consistency. This easy caramel apple cupcakes recipe is easily adaptable.

Can I freeze these Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe?

Yes! Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them completely before frosting.

I hope these answers help! Remember, simple nutrition is about making small changes that add up over time. This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is a great way to start!

Final Thoughts:

I truly believe this Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your family’s menu. It’s all about finding those dinnertime nutrition wins that make everyone happy!

My Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe Nutrition Hacks:

Sneak in extra fiber: Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the batter.
Use whole-wheat flour: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added nutrients.
Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar in the frosting.

Here are some family-tested healthy Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe variations:

Apple Pie Cupcakes: Add a pinch of ground cloves and allspice to the batter for an apple pie flavor.
Caramel Pecan Cupcakes: Top the cupcakes with chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon Streusel Cupcakes: Add a cinnamon streusel topping before baking for a delicious twist.

My oldest loves the apple pie version, while my youngest prefers the classic Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe. I encourage you to experiment and find what your family loves best. This Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe is easily customizable.

I hope you and your family enjoy this nourishing Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe! Remember, simple nutrition is about finding what works for you and your family. You can find even more about the recipe for apple cupcakes with caramel frosting by searching online for similar recipes!

I’m sending you all warm encouragement as you try this amazing Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe! You’ve got this! 💕

Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are the perfect fall treat! Moist apple cupcakes topped with a creamy caramel frosting and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup finely chopped peeled apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
For the Caramel Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons milk, or more as needed

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apple.
Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Caramel Frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Stir in caramel sauce and milk. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Frost the cooled cupcakes with caramel frosting and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cupcakes.