Description
These Caramel Apple Cupcakes offer a delightful blend of tender, apple-infused cake topped with luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet treat combining the warm flavors of apples and caramel in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup finely chopped apples
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to ensure the cupcakes bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates a tender, airy texture in the cupcakes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the apples: Carefully fold the finely chopped apples into the batter to distribute them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow space for rising during baking.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before drizzling or spreading caramel sauce on top for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter as it can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Let the cupcakes cool fully before adding caramel sauce to prevent melting and runny frosting.
- For an extra caramel touch, swirl some caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
