Dutch Apple Cupcakes

 

I got the idea for these cupcakes from a local bakery. They swirl cinnamon apple chunks into a vanilla cupcake batter. I am too impatient, not to mention the time restraints at work, to individually fill each section of the muffin pan with batter, then to dollop and swirl apples into each. So I swirled a ton of apples into the whole batch, and then filled the pan. As I've mentioned before, my residents love anything with fruit, as well as especially comforting foods like apple pie, berry cobblers or these Dutch Apple Cupcakes.

I had leftover caramel sauce that I made for Caramel-Pecan Sundaes earlier that day, so for the frosting, I made a classic buttercream and incorporated about a 1/4 cup of the sauce to give it a mild caramely flavor. Then I topped with some extra bits of cinnamon apple chunks, and voila!

Dutch Apple Cupcakes

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2/3 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

zest of one large lemon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk

Apple Swirl:

3 large apples, peeled and diced (I used Granny Smith)

2 tablespoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 (12 each) muffin pans with paper liners.

Cream the butter and sugar together in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking power and salt.

Combine apple chunks with cinnamon and nutmeg, stir to coat all pieces evenly.

 With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and 

ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Swirl in most of the apples, reserving about a 1/2 cup for garnish.

 Scoop into prepared muffin pan and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until set and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

 Cool completely, then frost with buttercream (caramel optional) or other favorite frosting, and garnish with apple pieces. 

Makes 18-24 cupcakes.