Description
Moist and flavorful apple cupcakes crowned with a luxurious, rich salted caramel frosting. A perfect balance of sweet apples and creamy caramel, ideal for any celebration or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup finely diced apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apple.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the salted caramel sauce, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assembly: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the salted caramel frosting.
- Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top of the frosting, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Butter & Eggs: Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature for the best emulsion and smoothest batter/frosting.
- Apple Choice: Use crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best results, as they hold their texture during baking.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the cupcake batter can lead to tough cupcakes; mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow cupcakes to cool entirely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cupcakes, salted caramel frosting, caramel apple, fall dessert, cupcake recipe, sweet treat, homemade cupcakes, baking
