Apple cinnamon cupcakes are perfect blends of warm, comforting spices and the natural sweetness of apple, making them ideal treats for fall or any time of year. These moist and tender cupcakes are bursting with apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon, giving them that cozy, homemade feel. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting or dusting of cinnamon sugar, these cupcakes make delightful desserts for family gatherings, parties or sweet afternoon snacks. Each bite is a delicious combination of fruity and spiced goodness!
Ingredients:
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? 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
? 1 teaspoon baking powder
? 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
? 1/2 teaspoon salt
? 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
? 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
? 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
? 1/2 cup granulated sugar
? 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
? 2 large eggs
? 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
? 1/2 cup applesauce
? 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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For the Frosting (optional):
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? 8 oz cream cheese, softened
? 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
? 2 cups powdered sugar
? 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
? Cinnamon sugar for dusting (optional)
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Instructions:
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1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350¡ãF (175¡ãC) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs,
one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and applesauce.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
5. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted
into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla
extract, beating until creamy and well combined. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For extra flavor, dust the tops with a sprinkle
of cinnamon sugar.
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These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are a wonderful combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a light, tender crumb¡ªmaking them the perfect fall-inspired
treat!
