Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
Enjoy the warmth of fall with these Apple Spice Cupcakes topped with rich Salted Caramel Frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet pick-me-up, these cupcakes are a delightful treat with every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup + 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large honeycrisp apple (or two smaller ones), diced into 1¾ cups
For the Frosting:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp caramel sauce (Ghirardelli’s is a great choice)
- Pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan with liners. You’re one step closer to cupcake bliss!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure your spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one-third at a time, until the batter is smooth. Fold in the diced apples—you’ll love those juicy bits of fruit in every bite!
- Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until smooth. Fold in the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust with more caramel or salt if needed.
- Once your cupcakes are cool, pipe the salted caramel frosting on top. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that final touch of indulgence!