These Apple Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn or any time of the year!
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 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 unsweetened applesauce. 1 cup finely chopped apples. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional. 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened. 2 cups powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the applesauce, chopped apples, and chopped walnuts if using. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and the frosting is fluffy. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy!