Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumble

Name: Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Fuji); ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup old-fashioned oats; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: SugarAlchemy Kitchen

I absolutely love the cozy flavors of fall, and this Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumble is a true highlight. The combination of moist apple cupcakes with a rich crumble topping drizzled in caramel is simply irresistible. In just a short time, you can whip up this delightful treat that’s sure to impress both family and friends. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Rafael

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:06:29.688Z

Creating the Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumble was a delightful experience filled with warm scents and mouthwatering flavors. I decided to combine my love for cupcakes with a traditional crumble, and the result was beyond what I had hoped. The sweetness of the apples paired with the buttery crumble really enhanced the overall flavor, making it a standout dessert at my recent get-together.

As I crafted the caramel sauce, I found that letting it simmer gently allows for the perfect consistency. I also recommend letting it cool slightly before drizzling on the cupcakes. This way, the caramel won’t just run off but will cling beautifully to each cupcake, enriching every bite. It’s all about patience and attention to detail!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist apple cupcakes topped with a crunchy crumble
Rich, homemade caramel sauce that adds the perfect finish
Perfect for fall festivities or cozy family gatherings

Elevating Your Cupcake Experience

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your cupcakes lies in the creaming method. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, leading to a soft and moist cupcake. Look for a pale yellow color and a slightly increased volume before adding the eggs. Incorporating the eggs one at a time helps maintain the emulsification for a stable batter.

Choosing the right apples can also make a significant difference. While Granny Smith apples add a delightful tartness, Fuji apples offer a sweeter flavor. If you want to experiment, you can even mix the two varieties for a balanced taste. Just be sure to finely chop the apples to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the batter, preventing any sinking during baking.

Perfecting the Crumble Topping

For a truly crunchy crumble topping, it's essential to use cold butter. If your butter is too warm when you mix it with the dry ingredients, the crumble can turn into a paste instead of retaining that desired crumbly texture. A quick tip: cut the butter into small cubes and chill it for about 10 minutes before mixing. This will help you achieve the perfect crumb consistency.

When baking the crumble, keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time. It should be golden brown with a slightly crisp texture. If you find the crumble isn’t browning evenly, give it a gentle stir halfway through baking to ensure all pieces are evenly baked. Once done, allow the topping to cool completely before sprinkling it on the cupcakes, as this helps it set up nicely without becoming too mushy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious cupcakes:

Cupcake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Crumble Topping Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Caramel Sauce Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to begin!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumble:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in the chopped apples last.

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until golden.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a golden brown color, stirring occasionally. Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring vigorously, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Assemble and Serve

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each cupcake. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the crumble. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!

Now you have the perfect treat to enjoy on a cozy day!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumble for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite blend!

Caramel Sauce Tips and Tricks

Creating the perfect caramel sauce requires patience and a close watch on the sugar as it melts. Begin by heating your sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to melt gradually. Resist the urge to stir too much—swirling the pan gently will help the sugar melt evenly without crystallizing. The moment it turns a golden hue, quickly proceed with adding the butter to prevent burning.

After adding the heavy cream, you'll notice the mixture bubbling vigorously. Don’t worry! Just keep stirring until everything is combined and glossy. If your sauce becomes too thick after cooling, you can thin it out with a splash of water or additional cream over low heat. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and simply warm it before serving.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are best served fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance to save time. Bake the cupcakes and crumble topping a day ahead, and store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the crumble’s texture. Using warm caramel sauce gives a lovely contrast to the cold cake center when served.

If you're looking to tailor the cupcakes for different occasions, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of fall flavor. Alternatively, you might incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the crumble for added crunch. Additionally, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this dessert into something truly special.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce can save time, but homemade offers a richer flavor.

→ How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without the crumble and caramel sauce for up to 3 months.

→ What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for added texture and flavor.