Caramel Apple Frosting is the perfect topping for all fall cakes and cupcakes! The tartness from the freeze dried apples and sweetness from the caramel sauce makes a delicious pairing.
Caramel Apple Frosting is a delicious combination of apple and caramel in frosting form. It's sweet and tart and is wonderful on cakes, cupcakes, and even on top of cinnamon rolls or as a filling for macarons.
This frosting recipe is inspired by my Salted Caramel Chocolate Frosting but fall-inspired with apples replacing the chocolate. If you're looking for more fruity frosting ideas, check out my Raspberry Buttercream Frosting.
You'll Love this Recipe
A delicious combination of apple and caramel. Perfect for autumn and all your fall inspired treats!
This versatile frosting is delicious for all of your fall recipes. Cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cinnamon rolls and even whoopie pies.
Ingredient Notes
Butter, unsalted - lets you control the amount of salt in the frosting. Should be room temperature!
Freeze Dried Apple - We grind them into a fine powder. Can be found at Target and even Amazon (and other online stores).
Powdered Sugar - also known as confectioners sugar.
Vanilla Extract - extra flavor! Real vanilla will result in the best flavor. Alternatively, you could use apple extract or a little bit of food grade apple oil for a stronger apple flavor.
Caramel Sauce - can use store bought or homemade! I used Smucker's caramel flavored topping for this recipe. Should be room temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Using a mini food processor, food processor or blender, process the freeze dried apples into a powdery crumb.
- Sift the freeze dried apples with a sifter to get rid of the larger apple skin pieces. BUT SAVE THEM! They make a tasty and make pretty 'sprinkles'. Use them for decoration as pictured.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamed.
- Finally, add in powdered sugar, freeze dried apple powder, vanilla extract and caramel sauce. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds and then increase to medium speed for another 30 seconds and then medium-high for another 2 minutes until frosting is well combined and fluffy. You will want to scape the bottom of the mixer at least once with a silicone spatula to ensure everything gets beaten well together. Use immediately!
Expert Tips
Simply Sift! Best practice is to sift your freeze dried apple and powdered sugar to ensure a lump-free frosting.
Room temperature butter is a must! Cold butter for frosting can result in a chunky frosting or the frosting will not come together. Forgot to soften your butter? Check on this video on how to quickly soften butter.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Just increase or decrease ingredient quantities as needed.
Freeze drying is simply the process of removing moisture from the fruit which results in a crispy, dry texture full of concentrated fruit flavor.
Yes to the freeze dried apple powder! I felt like that some of the skin was a little too big in the frosting which is why you should sift it for a smooth frosting.
As for the powdered sugar, if it's super lump, I would highly recommend it but you don't technically have to. Sifting just guarantees a lump free frosting.
This makes about 2.5 cups of frosting.
This frosting would be great for a variety of cakes and cupcakes! Here are some cake flavor ideas:
- Vanilla or Vanilla Bean
- Apple
- Cinnamon
- Caramel
- Spiced
- Pecan or Walnut
- Butterscotch
- Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Spice
- Toffee
- Oatmeal
- Dulce de Leche
- Snickerdoodle
- Apple Cider Donut
- Spiced Apple Cider
- Vanilla Chai
- Pear
It would also be good on top of cinnamon rolls or in macarons.
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Caramel Apple Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter room temperature
- 2.5 ounces freeze dried apples
- ¼ cup caramel sauce room temperature
- 2.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR apple extract or ¼-1/2 teaspoon of food-safe apple flavoring oil
Instructions
- Using a mini food processor, food processor or blender, process the freeze dried apples into a powdery crumb.
- Sift the freeze dried apples with a sifter to get rid of the larger apple skin pieces. BUT SAVE THEM! They make a tasty and make pretty 'sprinkles'. Use them for decoration as pictured.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamed.
- Finally, add in powdered sugar, freeze dried apple powder, vanilla extract and caramel sauce. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds and then increase to medium speed for another 30 seconds and then medium-high for another 2 minutes until frosting is well combined and fluffy. You will want to scape the bottom of the mixer at least once with a silicone spatula to ensure everything gets beaten well together. Use immediately!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!