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Caramel Apple Cupcakes

These delectable Caramel Apple Cupcakes are bursting with the comforting flavors of spiced apples and rich caramel that creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate, making every bite a delightful experience.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple, Caramel, Cupcake, Fall
Servings: 12 pieces

Equipment

  •  Cupcake Pan to  create perfectly portioned cupcakes
  • Apple Corer and Slicer to core and slices apples evenly for both the batter and the garnish
  • Piping Bag and Tips to achieve a professional look 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 cups peeled cored, and finely chopped apples

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Using a scoop or a spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with caramel frosting.
  • For a finishing touch, garnish each cupcake with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a thin apple slice.

Notes

Substitutions

• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel undertone.
• Apples: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to achieve varying levels of tartness and sweetness.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

• Streusel Topping: Add a buttery streusel topping before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the caramel frosting for a luscious cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• These Caramel Apple Cupcakes shine on their own, but they can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• For a cozy afternoon treat, pair them with a cup of hot apple cider or chai tea.

Serving Size

• This delightful recipe yields approximately 12 standard-sized Caramel Apple Cupcakes, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or savoring as a cozy treat throughout the week.
• Adjust the quantities as needed to accommodate your desired number of servings.

Pro Tips

• For a more intense apple flavor, sauté the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon before folding them into the batter.
• To achieve a smooth and lump-free caramel frosting, ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• If you anticipate longer storage, consider refrigerating them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.