Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a cuppa and a cupcake? How about These Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes ? Honestly, they're like autumn in a bite. The sweet apple and salty caramel? Absolute bliss!

Quick Hook

Ever wondered if you could turn an apple pie into a cupcake? Well, now you can. These Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes are bursting with flavour! Trust me, it will be the best of the fall cupcake recipes you've ever tried.

Brief Overview

This amazing apple dessert idea originated as a twist on the classic American apple pie, these cupcakes bring a bit of warmth to any gathering.

It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour and ten minutes, plus cooling time. The recipe yields 12 delightful cupcakes.

Main Benefits

Apples are pretty good for you, yeah? They provide a bit of fiber, so you can enjoy these cupcakes feeling a little bit less guilty.

Perfect for a Bonfire Night party or a cosy night in! What makes them special? The homemade salted caramel frosting.

It's the real deal! So much better than shop bought.

Ready to find out what makes these Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes so special? You will need:

• For the Spiced Apple Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (approx. 2 medium) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick, 57g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

• For the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (60ml) prepared salted caramel sauce
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, for extra salty kick)

Let's get baking apple pie cupcakes . Trust me; it's worth it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up These Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes . Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.

Think of it as a fun project, yeah? And trust me, the payoff is huge .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Alright, here's the lowdown on the key bits and bobs. Accuracy is key, so grab your measuring cups!

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (192g) – Makes sure the cupcakes hold their shape.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – For that lovely lift.
• Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon – Works with the buttermilk for extra fluffiness.
• Spices: ½ teaspoon cinnamon , ¼ teaspoon nutmeg , ¼ teaspoon ginger – Warmth, flavour, and all things nice.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) , softened Creamy goodness.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) – Sweetness and helps with browning.
• Large Eggs: 2 – Binds everything together.
• Buttermilk: ½ cup (120ml) – Adds moisture and tang. Honestly, don't skip it.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Flavor enhancer.
• Apples: 1 ½ cups (approx. 2 medium) , peeled and diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect .

For the Salted Caramel , you will need:

• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) - The base of our sweet sauce.
• Heavy Cream: ¼ cup (60ml) - Adds richness to the caramel.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick, 57g) , cut into pieces - Enhances the flavour of the caramel
• Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon - Because Salted Caramel is where it is at!

And now to make the Salted Caramel Frosting

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) , softened - Base for a creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: 3-4 cups (360-480g) , sifted - Adds structure and sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) - Adjusts consistency.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) - For caramel flavour!
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon - Enhancer!
• Sea Salt: Pinch (optional) - An optional salty kick, depending on your mood

For the apples, you want them to be firm and not bruised. Honestly, nobody wants mushy apples in their Apple Spice Cupcakes .

Get good quality Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and give a bit of a tartness that's just, like, chef's kiss .

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Don't be shy with the spices, alright? Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are your best mates here. They’re what make these Apple Pie Cupcakes scream autumn.

I sometimes chuck in a pinch of allspice for an extra bit of oomph. A bit of salt in both the cupcakes and the frosting is essential! It balances the sweetness perfectly.

If you're missing nutmeg, just use a tiny bit more cinnamon, you'll be fine.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

No need for fancy pants equipment. Just the basics:

• Muffin Tin (12-cup) : Essential for baking.
• Cupcake Liners : Keeps them from sticking.
• Mixer (Stand or Hand) : To cream together the butter and sugar.
• Saucepan (Medium) : For the caramel.
• Rubber Spatula : For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Ice Cream Scoop : For even cupcake distribution.
• Piping Bag and Tip : (Optional) For fancy frosting.

If you don't have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will do just fine. And if you're short on cupcake liners, you can grease the muffin tin really well but honestly, liners are worth it for the easy cleanup.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to get started on these Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes . Trust me, once you try these, you'll be making them every autumn, without fail.

These Fall cupcake recipes will make you a star! Let's get baking!

Cooking Method: Baking the Perfect Spiced Apple Cupcake

Alright, let's talk baking, particularly how to nail Apple Spice Cupcakes . Honestly, it's easier than you think, even if you're not a baking wizard.

We're going to focus on creating the most flavourful Apple Pie Cupcakes , but, you know, keep it simple.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, first things first, mise en place , darling! Translation: get everything ready. Measure out all your ingredients. Chop your apples, because no one wants to be faffing about mid-bake.

Trust me, organisation is key!

Thinking about safety: Don't be a numpty. Always preheat the oven before you start mixing the batter!

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Get those cupcake liners in the muffin tin!
2. Whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt). Remember to mix thoroughly, but not too hard.
3. Cream together your softened butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy, almost like whipped cream.
4. Beat in your eggs one at a time. Then stir in that vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add your dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in your diced apples. Don't overmix!
7. Fill your cupcake liners about ⅔ full. Use an ice cream scoop for consistency, you know?
8. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is crucial.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Want to avoid flat cupcakes? Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten, making them tough. Room temperature ingredients are your best friend! This creates a smoother batter, which results in a better texture.

Cool the Caramel Apple Cupcakes completely before frosting. I can't stress this enough! Warm cupcakes = melty frosting. Not a good look.

Thinking ahead? You can bake these cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

So, there you have it! Your guide to baking utterly divine These Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes . Enjoy! These Easy apple cupcake recipe will surely become a hit in your house.

Recipe Notes for Your Scrumptious Apple Cupcakes

Alright, let's dive into some extra notes to make sure these Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes are absolutely perfect! Think of this as me giving you the inside scoop, the stuff you don’t usually find in cookbooks.

Honestly, these notes can make all the difference.

How to Serve Like a Pro

Fancy schmancy, eh? Let's talk presentation. Plating can elevate these Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes from yummy to wow . Consider a simple swirl of extra caramel on top.

Maybe a few apple slices arranged artfully. Boom! Instant sophistication.

As for sides? A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winner. Or a glass of chilled dessert wine? Swanky! If you are looking for Apple dessert ideas this recipe is a total winner!

Storage Secrets

Right, so you’ve baked a batch of these Apple Spice Cupcakes and somehow haven’t eaten them all in one go. How to keep them fresh?

• Fridge time: Pop them in an airtight container and they'll be good for 3-4 days .
• Freezing frenzy: Surprisingly, these freeze pretty well. Wrap individually in cling film, then pop in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months .
• Reheating rave: Just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. Job's a good'un!

Cracking Variations

Fancy a twist? No problem! How about some dietary swaps?

• gluten-free goodness: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. You might need to add a touch more liquid, so keep an eye on the batter.
• Seasonal swaps: In the summer, try peaches instead of apples! It adds a lovely summery touch to Fall cupcake recipes .

Nifty Nutrition

Okay, let’s be real. These aren't exactly health food. But here's the lowdown: each cupcake is roughly 400-450 calories. But hey, treat yourself! The apple does have some fibre, and that caramel? Pure happiness.

Enjoy in moderation, yeah?

Honestly? Don't sweat the numbers too much. Just enjoy making and eating these! Remember these Easy apple cupcake recipe ? Get baking and have fun! You've got this!