Craving the cozy flavors of fall in a delightful treat? I’ve got just the recipe for you – apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream. These cupcakes are a perfect fusion of apple pie goodness and the decadent sweetness of salted caramel. Starting with a base of apple spice cupcake made with fresh grated apples and apple cider, these cupcakes offer two mouthwatering flavor options in one recipe.
For the apple pie version, I fill the cupcakes with luscious apple pie filling, top them with a streusel crumb topping, and finish with a cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting, a drizzle of salted caramel, and a charming pie crust leaf. If you’re short on time, the caramel apple version uses store-bought caramel apple dip for convenience. With each bite, these showstoppers promise a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Creating apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream is a delightful process that involves a few key components. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to craft these irresistible treats.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
- 1 batch of apple spice cupcake batter
- 1 can of prepared apple pie filling
- 1 store-bought pie crust
- Store-bought salted caramel sauce
- Store-bought caramel apple dip
- Apple cider
Salted Caramel Buttercream
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Salted caramel
- Streusel crumb topping
- Cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting
- Additional salted caramel for drizzling
- Pie crust leaves
Required Tools and Equipment
As I prepare to make these delicious apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream, having the right tools and equipment is essential for a smooth baking experience. Here is a list of items you will need to create these delightful treats:
Tools:
- Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is necessary for baking the apple pie cupcakes to perfection.
- Cupcake Liners: Use cupcake liners to ensure easy removal of the cupcakes and for a neat presentation.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a set of mixing bowls in various sizes for preparing the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will come in handy for mixing the cupcake batter and buttercream frosting efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so make sure to have a set of measuring cups and spoons.
- Spatula: Use a spatula for scraping the bowl and folding ingredients gently into the batter.
- Apple Corer and Peeler: If not using pre-sliced apples, an apple corer and peeler will make preparing the apple pie filling easier.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cupcakes.
- Cooking Spray or Butter: Grease the muffin tin or use cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Piping Bags and Tips: If you prefer to pipe the salted caramel buttercream frosting, have piping bags and tips ready.
- Cooling Rack: Allow the cupcakes to cool properly on a cooling rack before frosting them.
- Knife or Pastry Wheel: For cutting pie crust leaves or decorative elements, a sharp knife or pastry wheel is essential.
- Brush: A pastry brush will be useful for applying the salted caramel drizzle on top of the cupcakes.
- Decorative Elements: Prepare any additional toppings or decorations like chopped nuts or extra salted caramel for garnishing.
Having these tools and equipment at hand will streamline the baking process and ensure your apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream turn out perfectly delicious.
Preparation Steps
Preheat Oven and Prepare Cupcake Tins
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Cupcake Tins: Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Peel, Core, and Dice Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and cutting two medium-sized apples into small dices.
- Prepare Apple Pie Spice: Combine brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and your preferred apple pie spice mixture (or a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves).
- Cook Apple Pie Filling: In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter and sauté the diced apples. Add the prepared spice mixture and cook until the apples are tender.
Directions for Cupcakes
I’m excited to walk you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream. Let’s get baking!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. These dry ingredients will form the base of our flavorful cupcakes.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixer bowl, mix the butter, oil, and sugars until light and fluffy. Then, add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, combining them well to create a smooth mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
It’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by the milk, and then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently until all the ingredients are well combined.
Fold in Apple Pie Filling
Gently fold in the chopped apples into the cupcake batter. Be careful not to overmix; we want to distribute the apple pieces evenly throughout the batter for that perfect apple pie flavor in every bite.
Directions for Salted Caramel Buttercream
Creating the perfect salted caramel buttercream to top off these apple pie cupcakes is essential for a decadent treat. Follow these steps to whip up a creamy and flavorful frosting that will elevate your cupcakes to the next level.
Prepare Salted Caramel
To start, we need to make a luscious salted caramel sauce that will infuse our buttercream with rich flavor. Here’s how:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt sugar until it turns into a golden caramel.
- Boil whipping cream separately in another bowl and pour it over the caramel in the saucepan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth caramel consistency.
- Remove from heat, add a pinch of salt for that perfect balance, and let the caramel cool to room temperature before using.
Whip Buttercream
Next, let’s whip up a creamy buttercream base that will hold our salted caramel flavor beautifully. Here’s what you need to do:
- In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in pure vanilla extract and a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is well mixed.
- Beat the mixture until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency, ready to be combined with our salted caramel sauce.
Combine with Caramel
It’s time to marry the prepared salted caramel with our whipped buttercream to create a luscious frosting:
- Once the salted caramel has cooled to room temperature, slowly pour it into the buttercream mixture while continuously beating on low speed.
- Ensure the caramel is fully incorporated into the buttercream for a smooth and flavorful finish.
- Taste the frosting and adjust the salted caramel quantity to suit your preference, adding more for a stronger salted caramel taste.
By following these steps, you’ll have a velvety salted caramel buttercream ready to adorn your apple pie cupcakes, adding a luxurious touch to these delightful treats.
Assemble Cupcakes
After preparing the apple pie cupcakes and the salted caramel buttercream, it’s time to assemble these delightful treats. Follow these simple steps to frost your cupcakes and add the finishing touches for a truly decadent dessert experience.
Frost Cupcakes
- Using a piping bag fitted with a large piping tip, generously frost each cupcake with the prepared salted caramel buttercream.
- Pipe a large rosette onto the top of each cupcake, leaving a slight well in the center for the apple pie filling.
- Spoon more of the apple filling into the center of the rosette for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Drizzle the top of each cupcake with the remaining salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- To enhance the presentation and flavor profile of your cupcakes, consider adding optional toppings like Sprinkle Pop leaf confetti or chopped nuts.
- Store the assembled cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, garnish the cupcakes with any additional toppings or drizzles of salted caramel sauce for a stunning final touch.
Storage and Serving Tips
After preparing these delicious apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storage and serving to ensure the best experience:
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the assembled cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will help the flavors meld together and maintain the freshness of the cupcakes.
- Covering: To prevent the cupcakes from drying out, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container before refrigerating.
- Shelf Life: These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation. While they will still be safe to eat after this time, the texture and taste may start to degrade.
- Temperature: Before serving, allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the buttercream and filling soften slightly, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- Garnishing: Just before serving, you can add additional toppings like chopped nuts for extra crunch, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for added sweetness, or apple slices for a decorative touch.
- Presentation: For a delightful presentation, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter or individual dessert plates. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a finishing touch.
Conclusion
Creating apple pie cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a single bite. The combination of moist apple-filled cupcakes and rich, salty-sweet buttercream is sure to impress your taste buds. Remember to follow the storage and serving tips to maintain the cupcakes’ freshness and taste. By allowing them to come to room temperature before serving and adding your favorite toppings, you can elevate the experience for yourself and your guests. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a special celebration. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the irresistible blend of apple pie and salted caramel flavors.