Salted Caramel Vegan Apple Cider Cupcakes: The ULTIMATE Fall Treat

Salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes. Oh, just saying that aloud makes me want to throw on a cozy sweater and watch the leaves change color. Forget pumpkin spice for a minute because these salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes are the real MVPs of fall baking. This recipe is a hug in cupcake form, loaded with warm spices, sweet apple cider, and that irresistible salty-sweet caramel that’ll have everyone singing your praises.

I remember the first time I made these. It was a crisp October day, and the scent of apples and caramel filled my kitchen. My family devoured them, and I knew this recipe was a keeper. I’m stoked to share it with you! Make these perfect salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes a part of your seasons-occasions celebrations.

Why You Will Love This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

These aren’t just any cupcakes; these are an experience. They’re moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The apple cider adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweet caramel and warming spices. Plus, they are vegan, so everyone can enjoy them. Let’s be honest, baking sounds tough, but I crafted this recipe to be as simple to make as possible.

It’s definitely my go to apple flavored recipe.

Think of biting into one of these babies after a long day. Sweet, a tiny bit salty, totally comforting. Plus, being vegan means no one is left out of the fun. It’s a win-win! These little treats are fantastic for all your autumn seasons-occasions festivities.

Ingredients Needed for This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

For the Apple Cider Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 cup full fat coconut cream (from refrigerated can)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste

For the Vegan Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

1. 1. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it!

1. 2. Remove from heat and whisk in the vegan butter until melted and smooth. Then, whisk in the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Let cool completely. It will thicken as it cools. I have to sometimes refrigerate to thicken it quicker.

1. 3. Make the Apple Cider Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

1. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

1. 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

1. 6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently whisk in the apple cider vinegar.

1. 7. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

1. 8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. 9. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. 10. Make the Vegan Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in the applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt.

1. 11. Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vegan buttercream frosting. Drizzle generously with the cooled salted caramel sauce.

How to Serve This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

These salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes are perfect on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top. You could also add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. They’re definitely a dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face, making the seasons-occasions gatherings even more special. Hosting a party becomes much more fun when you have these on display!

How to Store This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although they taste best fresh, they will keep in the freezer for much longer.

For freezing: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

To Reheat: If frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator. Otherwise, you can enjoy them cold straight from the refrigerator, or let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften up.

Tips to Make This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

• For a richer caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar in the caramel sauce.
• Be careful not to burn the caramel sauce. It should be a deep amber color, but not black.
• Don’t overmix the cupcake batter. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
• Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them, or the frosting will melt.
• Toast some pecans to elevate the flavors.

Here’s a simple one: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice will work. And remember, trust your gut. If it needs a little more vanilla, add it!

Helpful Notes for This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

Make sure to use a good quality vegan butter in the caramel sauce and frosting. Some vegan butters can have a strange aftertaste. To ensure they are nice and creamy like dairy based items, make sure you refrigerate your coconut cream beforehand!

I love to use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for the cupcakes. It works perfectly and no one can tell they’re gluten-free!

These Salted Caramel Vegan Apple Cider Cupcakes really highlight all the great aspects of the seasons-occasions with cozy and warm flavors!

If you are looking to get healthy this fall too, check out these Vegan Recipes To Lose Belly Fat.

Variation of This salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes Recipe

• Add chopped apples to the cupcake batter for extra apple flavor.
• Use a different extract in the frosting, such as maple or almond.
• Top the cupcakes with chopped toffee or chocolate shavings and remember that following Vegan Meal Prep For Weight Loss can enable you to fit more treats into your weekly meals plans.
• You can also try making these into mini muffins for a bite-sized treat.

Conclusion

So there you have it: salted caramel vegan apple cider cupcakes. My little love letter to fall. They’re vegan, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Give them a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy baking!