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Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in these delightful Caramel Apple Cupcakes that combine tender spiced apple cake with a luscious caramel buttercream frosting. Perfectly moist and bursting with apple flavor, these cupcakes are crowned with a smooth caramel drizzle and a crisp apple slice, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (195g) all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (52g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (112g) packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp (43g) sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
  • 1 cup finely chopped apple

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (280g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 5 cups (575g) powdered sugar
  • 4–6 tbsp caramel sauce
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Additional caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Apple slices, for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important for a tender texture.
  4. Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
  5. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating until mostly combined after each addition. Scrape down bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients and Batter: Add half the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until just combined.
  7. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk and mix until just combined; the batter may look slightly curdled but this is normal.
  8. Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix just until smooth, scraping down the bowl to avoid over mixing.
  9. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter.
  10. Fill and Bake: Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Make Caramel Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
  13. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and combined.
  14. Add Caramel Sauce: Mix in about 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce with a pinch of cinnamon until incorporated.
  15. Incorporate Remaining Sugar: Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat until smooth, adjusting consistency and sweetness by adding more caramel sauce if needed.
  16. Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the caramel buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes.
  17. Decorate: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top and garnish each cupcake with an apple slice.
  18. Storage: Store cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best batter consistency.
  • Do not over mix the batter to keep cupcakes light and tender.
  • Finely chop apples to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking during baking.
  • The frosting can be adjusted in sweetness by controlling the amount of caramel sauce added.
  • For a more pronounced apple flavor, use tart apples such as Granny Smith.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cupcakes, caramel buttercream, apple cupcakes, spiced cupcake, fall dessert, easy cupcake recipe

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Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/caramel-apple-cupcakes-recipe/