• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Simply Low Cal
  • Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Dips, Dressings & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads
    • Side Dish
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soup
    • Snack
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Tips & Digital Downloads
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Printables
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Dessert

    Caramel Apple Cupcakes With Fresh Apples

    Published: October 30, 2019 - Last updated: March 4, 2023 by Erika

    caramel apple cupcakes thumbnail picture.
    Jump to Recipe
    caramel apple cupcakes with fresh apples pin.

    This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

    These Caramel Apple Cupcakes showcase fresh Granny Smith apples from top to bottom. There’s some in the cupcakes, whipped butterscotch frosting, and on top! Finished with a homemade caramel sauce drizzle, these cupcakes are the ultimate fall sweet treat!

    caramel apple cupcakes on a table.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Cake Mix Recipes You'll Love
    • Caramel Apple Cupcakes With Fresh Apples

    Check out my Easy Apple Turnovers With Puff Pastry and my Healthy Chicken Salad With Apples for more amazing apples recipes!

    Something about “caramel apples” screams fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, but these caramel apple cupcakes are an easy semi-homemade dessert guaranteed to please any time of the year.

    The cupcake is a moist and flavorful cinnamon apple cupcake made with yellow cake mix, Greek yogurt, and delicate bits of fresh Granny Smith apples baked right into the mix.

    Meanwhile, the frosting is made with whipped topping (Cool Whip), butterscotch instant pudding mix, and more apples! Needless to say, there’s no shortage of apples!

    We’re not done yet! Once the apple cupcakes are frosted with whipped butterscotch frosting, they’re finished with a drizzle of decadent dairy-free caramel sauce, and you guessed it -more fresh apples! Let’s bake!

    close up view of a cupcake.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, making the cupcakes fuss-free and quick to prepare. The frosting and caramel topping are also a cinch and require only a few ingredients.
    • It’s made with lightened-up ingredients. It calls for Greek yogurt and skim milk in the cupcakes, sugar-free pudding mix in the frosting, and non-dairy ingredients in the caramel sauce.
    • These cupcakes are perfect for fall parties, potlucks, or any occasion when you need something lighter that doesn’t compromise flavor. 
    • It is made using fresh apples. Apples are extremely rich in essential antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. So there's truth to the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    caramel apple cupcakes labeled ingredients.

    Cupcakes:

    • Yellow Cake Mix: We’re taking a store-bought shortcut here. Use a box that you’ve had success with in the past or reliable cake mixes like Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Krusteaz, or Pillsbury.
    • Plain Greek Yogurt: This secret healthy ingredient makes cupcakes from a box taste like you made them from scratch. You can also use sour cream here.
    • Water: Helps loosen up the cake batter, so it’s the perfect consistency for cupcakes.
    • Ground Cinnamon: This enhances the cake mix with a warming flavor.
    • Vanilla Extract: To heighten the vanilla flavor of the cake mix.
    • Granny Smith Apples: Granny Smith is usually considered the best for baking, but you could also use Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala apples. You’ll need them for the cupcakes, frosting, and topping.

    Whipped Frosting:

    • Whipped Topping: Instead of heavy cream, you’ll use lite or regular Cool Whip to create a light and fluffy whipped frosting.
    • Skim Milk: This makes the frosting extra creamy yet light and fluffy.
    • Vanilla Extract: For flavor.
    • Butterscotch Pudding Mix: Adds flavor and volume to the frosting. You could also use caramel pudding mix here, of course.
    • Granny Smith Apples: The frosting will be smooth with tiny pieces of apple throughout.

    Caramel sauce topping:

    • Coconut Milk: Use a can of coconut milk for the best consistency.
    • Coconut Sugar: This is an excellent natural sweetening substitution for brown sugar.
    • Coconut Oil: Enhances the smooth, glossy texture.
    • Salt: Coconut sugar isn’t super sweet, so adding salt makes everything sweet taste sweeter!

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making caramel apple cupcakes with fresh apples.
    four image process making caramel apple cupcakes.

    Step 1: Prepare for baking.

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.

    Step 2: Mix the batter.

    Combine the yellow cake mix, Greek yogurt, water, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl with a hand mixer. Mix for 1 minute before folding in the diced apples.

    Step 3: Pour batter and bake.

    Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan, dividing it evenly between each cup, and bake for 25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one of the cupcakes comes out clean).

    Step 4: Cool completely.

    Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them from the pan and place on a cooling rack to finish cooling to room temperature before decorating.

    Step 5: Make caramel sauce.

    Stir the coconut milk, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and salt together in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer, continuously stirring, until thickened (about 15 minutes). Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside to cool. 

    Step 6: Make the frosting.

    Combine the thawed whipped topping, pudding mix, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix with a hand mixer for about 1 minute or until everything is well blended, then fold in the diced apples.

    Step 7: Frost the cupcakes.

    Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with a large tip and pipe it on top of each cupcake. Likewise, you can use a large zip-top bag and snip off one of the bottom corners to make a piping bag or simply spread the frosting on the cupcakes with an offset spatula.

    Step 8: Finish decorating.

    Stick a slice of apple into the frosting of the cupcakes so that it stands upright. Finally, with a small spoon, drizzle the caramel over the frosting and apple slice. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    top view of caramel apple cupcakes on a table.

    Expert Tips

    • Use room temperature ingredients. For the best results, make sure the ingredients for the cupcakes and the frosting are at room temperature before using them.
    • Don't overmix the cake batter. When combining the cupcake batter ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry cupcakes.
    • Portion the batter with a cookie scoop. It’s the perfect portion of batter for cupcakes, and using it to scoop the batter helps achieve nice rounded tops. 
    • Chill the frosting. After making the frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before piping. This will help stabilize the frosting, so it holds shape better. 
    • Toss apple slices with lemon juice. If you aren’t planning to immediately serve your caramel apple cupcakes, lightly toss the sliced apple toppings in fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning.

    Variations

    • Cake mix flavor: Swap the yellow cake mix with another flavor like golden butter, vanilla, or spice cake.
    • Frosting: You can easily add the butterscotch pudding mix and finely diced apples to a tub of store-bought frosting like classic buttercream, whipped cream frosting, or white frosting.
    • Toppings: Switch things up by garnishing the cupcakes with chopped almonds, cinnamon sugar, or peanut butter chips.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Keep frosted caramel apple cupcakes in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap over the top to keep moisture from escaping and the cupcakes from drying out. Store the sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can keep them unfrosted on the counter for up to 2 days.

    Freezing: You can freeze these cupcakes for up to three months without the toppings. Thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and topping them with caramel sauce.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Do I need to refrigerate these cupcakes?

    Yes. Once frosted, these caramel apple cupcakes must be kept in the refrigerator. The whipped topping frosting shouldn't be left unrefrigerated for longer than 2 hours.

    How many cupcakes does this recipe make?

    This makes 24 caramel apple cupcakes.

    More Cake Mix Recipes You'll Love

    • lemon cake with pineapple filling thumbnail picture.
      Lemon Cake With Pineapple Filling
    • strawberry lemon layer cake thumbnail picture.
      Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake
    • chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream frosting thumbnail picture.
      Chocolate Cupcakes With Whipped Cream Frosting
    • pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies thumbnail picture.
      Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    caramel apple cupcakes thumbnail picture.

    Caramel Apple Cupcakes With Fresh Apples

    Erika
    These caramel apple cupcakes showcase fresh Granny Smith apples from top to bottom. There’s some in the cupcakes, whipped butterscotch frosting, and on top! Finished with a homemade caramel sauce drizzle, these cupcakes are the ultimate fall sweet treat!
    5 from 32 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 Servings
    Calories 142 kcal

    Equipment

    • Disposable Icing Piping Bags
    • Ceramic Non-Stick Covered Saucepan, 3 quart
    • Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
    • Hand Mixer
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)
    • Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin and Cupcake Pan

    Ingredients
      

    For Cupcakes

    • 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and diced small

    For Caramel Sauce

    • 13.5 ounce can coconut milk half can
    • ¼ cup coconut sugar
    • ½ tablespoon coconut oil
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    For Frosting

    • 8 ounce tub lite whipped topping thawed
    • 1 cup skim milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and diced small
    • 1 ounce box sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix
    • 1 Granny Smith apple cored and sliced into thin slices
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
    • Combine the yellow cake mix, Greek yogurt, water, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl with a hand mixer. Mix for 1 minute before folding in the diced apples.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan, dividing it evenly between each cup, and bake for 25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one of the cupcakes comes out clean).
    • Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them from the pan and place on a cooling rack to finish cooling to room temperature before decorating.
    • Stir the coconut milk, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and salt together in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer, continuously stirring, until thickened (about 15 minutes). Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside to cool. 
    • Combine the thawed whipped topping, pudding mix, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix with a hand mixer for about 1 minute or until everything is well blended, then fold in the diced apples.
    • Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with a large tip and pipe it on top of each cupcake. Likewise, you can use a large zip-top bag and snip off one of the bottom corners to make a piping bag or simply spread the frosting on the cupcakes with an offset spatula.
    • Stick a slice of apple into the frosting of the cupcakes so that it stands upright. Finally, with a small spoon, drizzle the caramel over the frosting and apple slice. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use room temperature ingredients. For the best results, make sure the ingredients for the cupcakes and the frosting are at room temperature before using them.
    • Don't overmix the cake batter. When combining the cupcake batter ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry cupcakes.
    • Portion the batter with a cookie scoop. It’s the perfect portion of batter for cupcakes, and using it to scoop the batter helps achieve nice rounded tops.
    • Chill the frosting. After making the frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before piping. This will help stabilize the frosting, so it holds shape better.
    • Toss apple slices with lemon juice. If you aren’t planning to immediately serve your caramel apple cupcakes, lightly toss the sliced apple toppings in fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning.
    • Storing: Keep frosted caramel apple cupcakes in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap over the top to keep moisture from escaping and the cupcakes from drying out. Store the sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can keep them unfrosted on the counter for up to 2 days.
    • Freezing: You can freeze these cupcakes for up to three months without the toppings. Thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and topping them with caramel sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 252mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword caramel apple cupcakes, Caramel Apple Cupcakes With Fresh Apples
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    signature

    More Dessert

    • dragon fruit popsicles thumbnail picture.
      Dragon Fruit Popsicles
    • chocolate pudding thumbnail picture.
      Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch
    • red velvet cookie bars using cake mix thumbnail picture.
      Red Velvet Cookie Bars Using Cake Mix
    • healthy key lime pie thumbnail picture.
      Healthy Key Lime Pie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stine Mari

      November 01, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      I love how apple-y these are, with both the cupcake and the frosting! They sound absolutely delicious, can't wait to make them.

      Reply
    2. Alisa Infanti

      November 02, 2019 at 1:04 pm

      I was always told that you weren't supposed to put cake in the fridge which I also thought meant cupcakes . Thanks for clearing up that this is fake news! Caramel and apples are my favourite dessert combo so I can't wait to give these a try!

      Reply
      • simplylowcal

        November 02, 2019 at 3:32 pm

        The cupcakes can be left out on the counter, but if they're frosted they need to stay refrigerated. The cupcakes, unfrosted, will last longer if kept in the fridge.

        Reply
    3. Emily

      November 03, 2019 at 7:03 pm

      These cupcakes remind me of those caramel apple lollipops but in cake form- so good!

      Reply
    4. Jacqui Debono

      November 03, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      I always used to keep my cupcakes in a cold larder. Much better to keep them cool as you say! These look gorgeous, and different from the usual cupcakes!

      Reply
    5. Candiss

      November 03, 2019 at 10:54 pm

      Granny Smith apples are so delicious! These cupcakes with the addition of all the apples sounds amazing!

      Reply
    6. Ramona

      November 04, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      This is a lovely recipe and so quick to put together - I am keen to make this - my daughter loves anything with caramel and apples. Lovely!

      Reply
    7. Alexis

      November 04, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      What a fun fall cupcake to make for parties and family gatherings. I'm definitely putting this on the list for our next Fall party. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
    8. Amanda

      November 04, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      It's incredible how you made such a delicious cupcake for so few calories! My tastebuds and jeans both thank you. That's a serious talent!

      Reply
    9. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      November 04, 2019 at 9:51 pm

      I am also loving all of the apples that are in season. This is really my favourite season flavour wise.
      These cupcakes are calling my name!! Do you deliver 😉

      Reply
    10. Mirlene

      November 05, 2019 at 8:46 pm

      So glad apple season is here. I am interested in making this recipe! Looks good.

      Reply
    11. Sophie

      November 06, 2019 at 3:27 am

      Love this fall inspired recipe. Thank you so much. I will try this recipe really soon!

      Reply
    12. Lathiya

      November 13, 2019 at 7:29 pm

      The cupcakes look so delicious. I love the combination of caramel and apple.

      Reply
    13. Michelle

      November 19, 2019 at 3:46 pm

      How delicious are these?! Love the substitutions you made to make it lighter and the warm fall flavors!

      Reply
    14. pam

      November 19, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      These cupcakes are just perfect for fall. Love that they are "healthy-ish" too!

      Reply
    15. Toni

      November 19, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      Delicious, adorable AND low calorie? How can you go wrong with that. Love this recipe, thank you.

      Reply
    16. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      November 19, 2019 at 4:29 pm

      Apples and caramel go so well together and I love the fact that they are lower calorie too. Perfect!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

    My Recent Posts

    • air fryer corn fritters thumbnail picture.Air Fryer Corn Fritters
    • Mediterranean naan pizza thumbnail picture.Mediterranean Naan Pizza
    • air fryer bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts thumbnail picture.Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
    • Instant Pot pork loin roast thumbnail picture.Instant Pot Pork Loin With Apples And Onions
    • Instant Pot chicken quinoa soup thumbnail picture.Instant Pot Chicken Quinoa Soup

    Footer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    104 shares