Poison Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Glaze

Introduction

Poison Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Glaze are a Halloween-perfect dessert that looks spooky but tastes divine. Inspired by the infamous poison apple from fairy tales, these cupcakes combine fluffy spiced apple cake, filled with warm fall flavors, and are topped with a luscious caramel glaze that drips down like a potion. Finished with a glossy candy apple–style look or spooky decorations, they become the star of any Halloween dessert table.

The moist apple cupcakes paired with the sweet, sticky caramel topping capture the essence of autumn while giving a playful nod to Halloween’s darker side. These cupcakes are not just a dessert, they’re a festive centerpiece.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love these cupcakes because they’re a beautiful balance of cozy and creepy. The apple-spiced cake feels comforting and nostalgic, while the shiny caramel glaze transforms them into magical little “poison apples.” They’re fun to decorate, easy to make, and instantly get everyone into the Halloween spirit.

The caramel drizzle gives them an indulgent touch, and you can even make them look more dramatic with red candy coating or edible glitter. It’s a recipe that impresses visually but doesn’t require complicated baking skills.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines autumn flavors with spooky presentation.
• Perfect balance of moist apple cupcake + sticky caramel topping.
• Eye-catching centerpiece for Halloween parties.
• Fun to decorate with kids or for themed gatherings.
• Simple ingredients with bakery-style results.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 20–22 minutes
• Caramel Glaze & Decoration Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~55 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with ½ tsp vinegar)
• 1 ½ cups grated apple (peeled, about 2 medium apples)

For the Caramel Glaze

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Decoration

• Red or black candy melts (for a glossy “poison apple” effect)
• Halloween sprinkles
• Edible glitter or candy eyes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine with dry mixture and buttermilk.
4. Fold in grated apples.
5. Bake cupcakes until golden.
6. Make caramel glaze by simmering sugar, butter, and cream.
7. Spoon glaze over cupcakes and decorate.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

• Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Batter

• Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
• Fold in grated apples.

Step 6: Bake Cupcakes

• Divide batter into liners.
• Bake for 20–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let cool completely.

Step 7: Make Caramel Glaze

• In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar.
• Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 8: Glaze Cupcakes

• Spoon warm caramel over cooled cupcakes, letting it drip down the sides.
• Decorate with candy melts, sprinkles, or edible glitter if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve on a Halloween-themed tray or cupcake stand.
• Add black cupcake wrappers or green “apple stems” (pretzel sticks) for a poison apple look.
• Perfect for Halloween parties, dessert buffets, or spooky movie nights.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Let cupcakes cool before glazing, or the caramel will slide off.
• If caramel thickens too much, reheat gently and stir.
• Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for a stronger apple flavor.
• For a shiny “candy apple” look, dip cupcakes in melted candy melts before glazing.

Variations

• Poisonous Red Effect: Add red gel food coloring to caramel for a “bloody” drip effect.
• Stuffed Cupcakes: Fill with apple pie filling or cream cheese before glazing.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and coconut cream for caramel.
• Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to batter for chocolate-apple cupcakes.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan (for caramel)
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Poison Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Glaze are the ultimate Halloween dessert — spooky, fun, and deliciously decadent. With warm apple spice, gooey caramel, and endless decoration possibilities, they bring fairy-tale magic (and a little mischief) to your Halloween table. Whether for parties, trick-or-treaters, or simply enjoying a cozy October evening, these cupcakes are a must-try fall recipe.