Description
These dense, spiced caramel apple cupcakes capture the essence of a classic autumn fair. Featuring fresh, tart Granny Smith apple chunks folded into a buttery, spiced batter, these treats are perfectly balanced by a tangy sour cream base. Topped with a rich, velvety caramel frosting, they offer a sophisticated flavor profile that remains moist and structurally sound, making them the ultimate seasonal handheld dessert for any gathering.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup neutral oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp full-fat sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 cup Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, oil, and both sugars for four minutes until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl frequently to ensure a consistent emulsion.
Add half of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
Pour in the milk slowly while the mixer runs on low speed.
Fold in the remaining dry ingredients and the fresh chopped apples gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with the batter.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before applying caramel frosting.
Notes
Ensure all cold ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting for better emulsification. Use Granny Smith apples for their firm texture and tartness, which prevents the cupcakes from becoming gummy.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg