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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup Granny Smith apples, diced - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Whipped cream, for frosting - Optional: Chopped nuts for topping I love using Granny Smith apples for these cupcakes. They are tart and crisp. Their flavor shines through the sweet batter. You could also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They add a nice sweetness and texture. Choose apples that are fresh and firm. This helps keep the cupcakes moist and tasty. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just cut back on added salt. Applesauce can be swapped for mashed banana or yogurt. This keeps the cupcakes moist while adding flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also find dairy-free whipped cream for frosting. These swaps keep the cupcakes delicious and fun for everyone! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help each cupcake hold its shape. In a medium bowl, add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together well. Set them aside. In a large bowl, take ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become creamy and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and ¾ cup of unsweetened applesauce until smooth. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make your cupcakes dense. Next, fold in 1 cup of diced Granny Smith apples and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Ensure the apples are evenly spread in the batter. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. After baking, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a piping bag with a star tip to frost each cupcake with whipped cream. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the whipped cream for a sweet touch. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top if you like. To get light and fluffy cupcakes, start by beating the butter and brown sugar well. This step gives your cupcakes airiness. Mix them for about two to three minutes until they look creamy. When you add eggs, do it one at a time. This helps the batter hold its structure. Fold in the apples gently. Over-mixing can make the cupcakes dense. One common mistake is over-mixing the batter. This leads to tough cupcakes. Always fold the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Another mistake is not checking the oven temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the cupcakes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready. For a beautiful finish, use a piping bag with a star tip for the whipped cream. This makes your cupcakes look professional. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the whipped cream. It adds sweetness and makes them shine. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. For an elegant touch, add a thin apple slice next to each cupcake on the plate. This enhances both the look and flavor. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in lighter, fluffier cupcakes. Choosing the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use Granny Smith apples as they provide a tart contrast to the sweet caramel and cupcakes. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense cupcakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding crushed caramel candies or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up your frosting, consider these ideas: - Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix cream cheese with butter and sugar for a tangy twist. - Caramel Frosting: Blend caramel sauce into your frosting for a richer flavor. - Chocolate Ganache: Melt chocolate and mix with cream for a decadent topping. Each of these frostings will pair well with the sweet apple flavor in your cupcakes. Get creative with your batter! Here are some fun ideas: - Spices: Add nutmeg or ginger to enhance warmth. - Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Dried Fruits: Toss in raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness. These variations will give your cupcakes a unique flair and keep them exciting. You can easily modify this recipe for dietary needs: - Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. - Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and coconut cream in place of traditional butter and whipped cream. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy caramel apple cupcakes without worry. To keep your caramel apple cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as heat can affect their taste. You can freeze these cupcakes for later enjoyment. First, ensure they are completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and seal tightly. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When stored properly, these cupcakes can last for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they may stay fresh for a week. Remember that frosting can affect the shelf life. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying them. I recommend using a rich, thick caramel sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you choose to make your own, ensure it's smooth and creamy. This will add a lovely touch to your cupcakes. A good caramel sauce enhances the flavor and ties all the elements together. Yes, you can! Bake the cupcakes and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can frost them right before serving. This keeps the whipped cream light and fluffy. To check if your cupcakes are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. Be sure to check them around 18 minutes, as ovens can vary. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes, so keep an eye on them! If you need a substitute for applesauce, try using mashed bananas. They add moisture and sweetness. You could also use pumpkin puree for a different flavor twist. Both options work well and keep your cupcakes tender. We covered everything you need for making delicious apple cupcakes. We started with key ingredients, highlighted the best apples, and discussed substitutes. Then, we walked through easy steps to bake and frost your cupcakes. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and achieve the perfect texture. You learned about variations and how to store them for freshness. Now, you’re ready to create your own tasty treats. Enjoy baking!

Caramel Apple Delight Cupcakes

Delicious cupcakes filled with diced apples and topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup Granny Smith apples, diced
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • to taste whipped cream, for frosting
  • to taste chopped nuts for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
  • Incorporate the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples and ground cinnamon, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  • Fill each cupcake liner approximately two-thirds full with the batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with whipped cream using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch, place a thin slice of apple next to each cupcake.
Keyword apple, caramel, cupcakes, dessert