Description
Delight in these moist and spiced Apple Cupcakes topped with a rich and fluffy Maple Buttercream frosting. Combining warm fall spices, shredded apples, and a creamy maple-flavored frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups apples, shredded (peeled and cored)
Maple Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 12-serving cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Melt ½ cup butter in the microwave or on the stove and let it cool to room temperature.
- Grate Apples: Peel, core, and using the large holes of a box grater, shred 3 cups of apples. The apples may turn brown from oxidation, which does not affect taste.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 3 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ cup brown sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, cooled melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup plain Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until incorporated. Fold in the shredded apples to form a thick batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake liner, filling them approximately ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer, whip ½ cup softened butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ⅓ cup maple syrup on medium speed until fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low to incorporate. Then whip on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes: Load the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip and pipe rosettes onto the cooled cupcakes. Alternatively, spread the frosting with a knife.
- Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- The brown discoloration of grated apples from oxidation is normal and does not affect flavor.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
- You can adjust the spices to your preference for more or less warmth.
- For easier frosting application, chill the cupcakes completely before frosting.
- These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 3 days of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cupcakes, maple buttercream, fall dessert, spiced cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, easy baking recipe
