Spiced Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting & some real nice ways to decorate them and present them

Makes 15 cupcakes

Winter Spices make up for the best winter flavours. And one of the best treats during colder days are 

these spiced apple cupcakes. make these and serve them with a cinnamon latte or simply any latte, and see for yourself how cozy they will make you feel. Be very careful though, as these are highly addictive and will have your crawling out of bed for one more bite!!!

This very simple Caramel frosting is the perfect compliment to the flavour combination here, but feel free to try a cinnamon frosting, or a fluffy vanilla frosting as they all go exceptionally well with these yummy treats :)

You Need

200g butter, softened                                             

2 tsp finely grated lemon rind

2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar                                  

1 cup (150g) self-raising flour, sifted       

1/3 cup (80 ml) milk

½ cup (75g) plain flour, sifted                             

3 eggs

1 tsp DK Cake Spice Mix, or D Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

5 medium apples (750g)                                      

25g butter, extra

1/3 cup (75g) firmly packed brown sugar                       

For Frosting 

You Need

100g butter

200g sifted icing sugar

1/3 cup golden syrup

Preheat oven 180°C | 360°F. Place cups in cupcake-tin holes or cups or if do not wish to use cups; grease the holes and line with baking paper. Set Aside.

Peel and core apples. Cube them finely (remember in cupcakes you don't want super large pieces). Sprinkle cubed apples with a little lemon juice to avoid browning. Melt the 25g extra butter in a large frying pan; cook apple cubes until browned lightly (about 5 minutes). Add brown sugar; cook stirring until mixture slightly thickens (about 5 more minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the sifted flours, set aside.

In a large bowl, Beat Butter, rind and caster sugar with electric mixer until light & fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternate sifted flours and milk in 2 batches. 

Fold in the apple mixture into the batter until well combined. Spoon batter into prepared cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes (till golden brown and when toothpick inserted near centres it comes out clean).

Once done, remove from pan, cool thoroughly on wire racks.

Prepare the Caramel Frosting. Place all frosting ingredients in a bowl and beat with electric mixer on low spreed, till well incorporated. turn the speed up and beat till light and fluffy (frosting consistency). if the frosting appears slightly thicker than you'd like, add a little more softened butter, but beat well after the addition.

Tip These Cupcakes can be served warmed (without the frosting) with vanilla ice cream instead.

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Here are some cool ways to decorate and present these apple treats... Enjoy :)

Coated with coloured sugar and shaped like an apple!

In a Basket or an apple collecting box!

dip cupcakes in red liquid fondant like you would fondant Fancies
top with a mini spretzle stick and a fondant leaf 

topped with marzipan apples

***If you have tried this or any other recipe from this blog, we would love to hear your comments below & don't hesitate to rate this recipe. 

Comments help you increase your chances in winning DKblog giveaways & gift vouchers and help us better understand your preferences. check out our latest giveaways promotion. Join Facebook group for the chance to win...

Love, Dima :)