Caramel Apple Cupcakes

These have been on my Baking Bucket list and on my mind for a long time. Apparently I'm not the only one! My friend Tera had Caramel Apple cupcakes as one of her flavors at her wedding a year and a half ago, ever since her mother has been thinking about them and wanting them again. So I got a special request for them, along with 3 other flavors for Tera's sister's graduation celebration.  

Caramel Apple and Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

I, of course made extra to test out for my husband and I. Dave gets to be my guinea pig a lot, lucky him! He got to be the first to try the Caramel Apple Cupcakes out. He was such a fan that after his first bite he actually cussed! I won't repeat what he said but it was his way of saying "These are awesome!" ;)

They are made with a fresh apple cake that is so moist and flavorful then topped with a caramel buttercream (made with homemade caramel sauce) and garnished with an apple slice dipped in caramel sauce.

I think these are one of my new favorites!!

Fresh Strawberry Topping

A fresh strawberry sauce served over french vanilla ice cream...or on top of cheesecake...or even in a strawberry shake. Just some of the reasons to use those in season strawberries in a yummy dessert! This is beyond good! It doesn't compare to the jar of topping you can buy in the store, this is far better. And even simple, I promise!!

Fresh Strawberry Topping

1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, cleaned and stemmed

1/3 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Chop strawberries.

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2/3 of the chopped strawberries, sugar and vanilla.
Cook, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens, about 7-10 minutes.


Remove from heat. In a blender, puree strawberry sauce. Then transfer to a small bowl and add in remaining 1/3 strawberries. Store in refrigerator.