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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large apples, peeled and diced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Caramel sauce

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

I love making these Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak freshness. The combination of fluffy vanilla cupcakes with warm, spiced apples and a crunchy crumble topping is a match made in heaven. The drizzle of caramel sauce adds the final touch, making these cupcakes a standout treat for any gathering or cozy night in. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:46:27.636Z

When I first baked these Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles, I was amazed at how well the flavors came together. The sweet, spiced apples paired with a light, fluffy cupcake before being topped with a crunchy crumble were simply irresistible. I remember serving them at a family gathering, and they disappeared almost immediately!

One of my favorite tips is to let the apples cook down a bit before mixing them into the batter. This enhances their flavor and creates a wonderful texture in the cupcakes. Don't skimp on the caramel drizzle, either; it's what really brings everything together for a delicious finish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously spiced apple filling complements the cupcake base
Crunchy topping adds texture to every bite
Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert at home

Perfecting the Cupcake Texture

Achieving the perfect cupcake texture is all about balance. When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, allowing the cupcakes to rise beautifully during baking. Be cautious not to overmix once you add the flour; mix just until combined, as overmixing can result in dense cupcakes instead of the desired airy texture.

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Cold butter will not cream properly with sugar, leading to a greasy batter. Similarly, room temperature eggs and milk will mix better, providing a uniform batter. These small details profoundly impact the overall texture and fluffiness of each cupcake.

Enhancing Apple Flavor

The choice of apples can significantly affect the flavor of your filling. For a combination of sweetness and tartness, I recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples. The former adds a juicy sweetness, while the latter contributes a nice tang, complementing the spiced cinnamon and nutmeg profile. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh as they can turn mushy, losing their texture during baking.

Letting the apple mixture sit coated in lemon juice and sugar allows the flavors to meld together. The acid from the lemon juice not only prevents browning but also enhances the overall taste. If you find your apples are overly sweet after this marination, consider adding a touch more lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles:

For the Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For Serving:

Caramel sauce

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re set to bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delightful Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles:

Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring they are well coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Set aside.

Assemble and Bake

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared liners, filling each about halfway. Add a generous spoonful of the apple mixture on top of the batter, followed by a sprinkle of the crumble topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve with Caramel Sauce

Once the cupcakes are done baking, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cupcake before serving. Enjoy!

Your Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles are ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor and crunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Caramel Apple Cupcake Crumbles can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy autumn days. Store the finished cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, you can easily reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.

To keep the crumble topping fresh and crunchy, consider storing it separately and adding it just before baking if you plan to make the cupcakes in advance. This way, you prevent it from losing its texture and maintain the perfect contrast between the soft cupcakes and the crunchy topping.

Servings and Variations

This recipe yields about 12 cupcakes, making it ideal for small gatherings. If you wish to scale up, simply multiply the ingredients and adjust your baking times if using multiple pans. Keep an eye on the cupcakes, as they may bake slightly faster in smaller batches due to increased heat circulation.

For a delightful twist, try incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch. To lighten the recipe, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which offers a nutty flavor and additional fiber. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free milk.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples, but Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work particularly well due to their sweetness and tartness.

→ Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the cupcakes and crumble topping ahead of time, then assemble and bake them right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for the butter?

You can substitute unsweetened applesauce or a dairy-free margarine if you're looking for a healthier or vegan option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.