Caramel Apple Cupcakes

This recipe is very sweet, but perfectly embodies the taste of fall caramel apples.

yield: 28 cupcakes

ingredients
for cupcakes
3C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4C sugar
3/4 brown sugar
1/2C vegetable oil
1/2C apple sauce
1.5 tsp vanilla
3 eggs, room temperature
3C apples, finely chopped (about 3 medium apples)

for caramel buttercream
1/2C butter, room temperature
1C brown sugar
1/3C heavy cream
3.5C powdered sugar

directions

1. for cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners (or grease pan if not using cupcake liners).
3. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In a large bowl (or stand mixer) combine sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, apple sauce, and vanilla.
5. Add eggs to wet mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Slowly add flour mixture to wet mixture, beating until well combined.
7. Fold in chopped apples.
8. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
10. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
11. for caramel buttercream: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
12. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream.
13. Stir over medium heat, about 2 minutes, until sugar is dissolved.
14. Transfer mixture to a large bowl or stand mixer.
15. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated.
16. Pipe (or spread) buttercream on cooled cupcakes.
17. Enjoy!