This Caramel Apple Frosting is the perfect topping for any fall dessert. Made with melted caramel and apple flavoring that will remind you of a caramel apple!
I came up with this recipe because my significant other requested Caramel Apple Frosting for his birthday cupcakes. When I went searching for a recipe, I couldn't find one. There were caramel frosting recipes and caramel apple recipes, but nothing for a frosting.
So, I came up with my own and I must admit, it's really good! The melted caramel is mixed in with apple flavoring extract for a perfect combination to make one of the best fall-inspired treats ever!
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Caramel Apple Frosting recipe because the rich caramel flavor perfectly complements the sweet and tart notes of the apple flavoring to create a delightful autumn-inspired treat. The smooth texture also makes the frosting incredibly easy to spread on cupcakes or cakes, making it the perfect compliment to any fall dessert like my Pumpkin Molasses Cupcakes or my Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread.
Key Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to this frosting that pairs perfectly with the apple flavoring. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before making this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended in this frosting so that you can control the amount of salt. This should also be at room temperature.
- Vegetable Shortening: Vegetable shortening helps add structure and texture to the frosting and also makes piping easier.
- Apple Flavoring: Apple flavoring is an easy way to get the perfect apple taste in this frosting.
- Caramel (Melted Candy or From a Jar): Caramel is the other star of this recipe. You can melt caramel candies or use caramel already in liquid form from a jar.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Caramel Apple Frosting
Place the butter, cream cheese, and shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and cream together. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing in each time. Add the apple flavoring and continue mixing.
With the mixer on low, drizzle the hot caramel into the frosting as quickly as you can. Once everything is incorporated, remove the bowl from the mixer and refrigerate the frosting until you are ready to use it.
Expert Tips for the Best Frosting Results
- This is one of those recipes where the ingredients need to be room temperature or you will not get a smooth frosting.
- The caramel step is pretty quick so have everything ready ahead of time. Don't add cold heavy cream to the warm caramel.
- If you get a few pieces of caramel that didn't blend into the frosting, just pick them out (or leave them for a gooey caramel surprise!)
- Because there is cream cheese, butter, and shortening in the frosting, it is pretty soft when you mix it together. As mentioned, store the frosting in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes right before serving them or store the frosted treats in the fridge until you are ready to serve them.
- The apple flavoring (pictured below) is very potent so don't use too much!
Recipe FAQs
To adjust the consistency of the frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to thicken it or a little milk to thin it out. Be sure to make gradual adjustments and mix well until you achieve the desired texture.
You can make this frosting vegan or dairy-free version by using non-dairy cream or milk and plant-based butter in place of the dairy. Just ensure the caramel sauce you use is also dairy-free or vegan-friendly as well.
Store any leftover caramel apple frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze frosting. Place the frosting in a sealable bag or freezer-safe container. Frosting will last for up to 6 months in the fridge.
If you don't want to use vegetable shortening you could use more butter or cream cheese in its place. However, I find that a small amount helps with the consistency and pipeability of the frosting.
If you get a chance to make this Caramel Apple Frosting, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.
Caramel Apple Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ¾ teaspoon apple flavoring (I used LorAnn brand)
- ¼ cup liquid caramel (melted candy or from a jar)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream, room temp or warm
- 6 cups confectioners powdered sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream together the butter, cream cheese, and shortening for about 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next cup. Add the apple flavoring mix in.
- For the caramel, if you are using caramel candy, unwrap 8-10 caramels and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and remove to stir. If it's needed, microwave for 20 more seconds until all of the caramel is melted together (careful, the bowl is hot!!). Make sure the heavy cream is room temp (or zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds) and stir it into the caramel. You need the caramel to be pourable. If you are using caramel sauce from the jar, warm up in the microwave for about 20 seconds before adding the heavy cream and drizzling in.
- With the mixer on low, drizzle the hot caramel into the frosting as quickly as you can. The caramel needs to be warm so it will melt into the frosting.
- Once everything is incorporated, remove the bowl from the mixer and place the frosting in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Notes
- Frost the cooled cupcakes right before serving them or store the frosted treats in the fridge until you are ready to serve them.
- This is one of those recipes where the ingredients need to be room temperature or you will not get a smooth frosting
- The caramel step is pretty quick so have everything ready ahead of time. Don't add cold heavy cream to the warm caramel.
- If you get a few pieces of caramel that didn't blend into the frosting, just pick them out (or leave them for a gooey caramel surprise!)
- Because there is cream cheese, butter, and shortening in the frosting, it is pretty soft when you mix it together. As mentioned, store the frosting in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
- The apple flavoring (pictured below) is very potent so don't use too much!
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Shannon says
Can you use extra butter in place of the shortening for this recipe? I'm not a fan of frosting made with vegetable shortening, I think it leaves an odd feeling in the mouth. Thank you.
Emily says
Hello! Yes m, you can use all butter for this recipe! Just make sure to refrigerate it if it’s warm so it doesn’t melt 👍🏻
Shannon says
Thank you so much!