Keto Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Oil-Soluble Apple Flavoring

Dolce Flav

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Author:

Dolce Flav

Servings

12

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

These keto caramel apple cupcakes with oil-soluble apple flavoring start with a simple almond flour and coconut flour batter, lightly sweetened and spiced with cinnamon. A few spoonfuls of finely diced Granny Smith apple add texture, while apple flavor oil intensifies that classic apple pie flavor without extra carbs. The cupcakes are baked until golden, cooled, then topped with a silky caramel cream cheese frosting that’s also scented with a hint of apple flavoring oil. Every bite tastes like a caramel-dipped apple in cupcake form—perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you want apple dessert flavor on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

Ingredients

For the Keto Apple Cupcakes

1 ½ cups (150 g) blanched almond flour
2 Tbsp coconut flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp fine sea salt
½ cup (100 g) granulated keto sweetener (erythritol/monk fruit blend)
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
10–15 drops oil-soluble apple flavoring (or about ¼ tsp, adjust to taste)
½ cup finely diced Granny Smith apple, peeled (about ½ medium apple)

For the Sugar-Free Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated or powdered keto brown sweetener (or to taste)
2–3 Tbsp heavy cream, as needed for texture
1–2 Tbsp sugar-free caramel sauce (optional but recommended)
¼ tsp vanilla extract
3–5 drops oil-soluble apple flavoring, or to taste

Optional Garnishes

Extra sugar-free caramel sauce, for drizzling
A few tiny diced apple pieces or thin apple slices, for topping (optional)
Pinch of ground cinnamon, for dusting

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Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. Make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature so the batter and frosting mix smoothly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until no lumps remain. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and keto sweetener on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Add 10–15 drops of oil-soluble apple flavoring, mixing well and adjusting to taste.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced Granny Smith apple.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the keto brown sweetener, vanilla extract, and sugar-free caramel sauce (if using), and beat until fluffy. Add 3–5 drops of oil-soluble apple flavoring to taste, then beat in heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until thick and pipeable.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost with the caramel cream cheese frosting. Drizzle with additional sugar-free caramel sauce and garnish with diced apple or a thin apple slice and a pinch of cinnamon if desired. Chill for 15–20 minutes or serve immediately.

Recipe Note

10 FAQs about Keto Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Oil-Soluble Apple Flavoring

1. What is oil-soluble apple flavoring, and why use it in cupcakes?
Oil-soluble apple flavoring is a concentrated apple flavor oil designed to blend into fat-based ingredients like butter, oil, and chocolate. It delivers intense apple flavor without adding sugar or extra liquid, making it perfect for low-carb apple cupcakes and frostings.

2. Is oil-soluble apple flavoring keto-friendly?
Most oil-soluble apple flavorings are sugar-free and carb-free, so they’re generally keto-friendly, but always check the label to ensure there are no added sugars or syrups.

3. Can I make these caramel apple cupcakes fully gluten-free?
Yes. This recipe already uses almond flour and coconut flour, which are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder, sweetener, and flavoring oils are certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.

4. How much oil-soluble apple flavoring should I add?
Start with 10 drops in the cupcake batter and 3–5 drops in the frosting, then taste and adjust. Apple flavor oils are potent, and manufacturers typically recommend very small percentages by weight, so it’s best to build flavor gradually.

5. Can I omit the fresh apple to lower the carbs further?
Yes. You can omit the diced apple completely and rely only on the apple flavor oil and cinnamon for flavor. The cupcakes will still taste like apple spice cupcakes, but with fewer carbs and no apple texture.

6. How do I store these keto caramel apple cupcakes?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Bring them to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

7. Can these oil-soluble apple cupcakes be frozen?
Yes. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes: wrap each well and store in a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost with the apple caramel cream cheese frosting before serving.

8. Can I use this batter as a keto apple loaf or cake instead of cupcakes?
You can bake the batter in a small loaf pan or 8-inch round pan. Baking time will increase (typically 25–35 minutes), so check with a toothpick. Keep the oil-soluble apple flavoring amount the same, then frost the cooled cake with the caramel cream cheese frosting.

9. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the frosting?
You can use unsweetened almond milk or another low-carb milk alternative, but add it slowly—these are thinner than cream. You’ll need less liquid to reach a thick, pipeable frosting consistency.

10. How can I boost the apple flavor even more?
To intensify the apple dessert flavor, you can:

-Add 1–2 extra drops of apple flavor oil to both batter and frosting,

-Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon into the batter, and

-Use a small amount of finely diced Granny Smith apple on top as garnish for fresh aroma and crunch.