Apple Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Apple

Peel and dice the apple. Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Briefly sauté the diced apple with a little cinnamon to add even more depth to the taste. Once sautéed, leave it to cool completely.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

3. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine 180 grams of plain flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs and 120 grams of caster sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Gradually pour 120 millilitres of vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture. Then add 120 millilitres of milk, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.

Finally, gently fold the sautéed apple into the dough using a spatula.

4. Bake

Divide the cupcake batter evenly between the cupcake liners and fill each one about ¾ full.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Topping

Mix 150 grams of cream cheese and 100 grams of unsalted butter until smooth. Add 200 grams of icing sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat the mixture until fluffy. Pour or spread onto the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle them with ground cinnamon for a nice finish.

6. Serve

If the cupcakes have been refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. This ensures that the glaze is creamy and the flavours are showcased to their best advantage.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cupcakes

Here are some tips to make your Apple Cupcakes even more delicious:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, even batter.

Avoid Overmixing: When adding dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the texture heavier.

Topping Texture: Although softened butter and cream cheese are easier to work with, they should not be too soft or melted. Aim for a firm yet pliable texture.

Variations

Here are some variations you can try to put your own spin on the Apple Cupcakes:

Spiced Apple Cupcakes: Add some ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the batter for a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon glaze.

Caramel Cupcakes: Add 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the cupcake batter for a rich, delicious touch.

Apple Cranberry Cupcakes: Fold dried cranberries with the apples for a sweet-tart balance that pairs well with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Related Recipes

For more sweet indulgence, check out these delicious recipes:

Almond Apple Tart

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Strudel

Conclusion

These Apple Cupcakes are the ultimate treat to celebrate the flavours of the season. From the tender crumb to the creamy cinnamon topping, they are a wonderful reminder of how simple ingredients can create something truly special.