APPLE BUTTER CUPCAKES

Apple Butter Cupcakes – a deliciously easy cupcake recipe with apple butter in both the cupcake and frosting for lots of great apple flavor.

Although it’s not quite fall and we’re still enjoying the final bit of summer that remains, I must admit that I’m looking forward to fall. It has been so hot in Georgia lately – between 95 and 100 degrees most days – that I’m ready for some cooler weather. Not to mention apple treats, apple picking, apple cider and all the flavors of fall.

Living so close to the Georgia mountains, it’s really easy for us to head up to the mountains and go apple picking. It’s always a lot of fun, with a variety of fresh apples and plenty of apple cider to go around. It’s also the time of year that I really start digging the use of cinnamon – one of my very favorite spices to bake with and eat – so warm and spicy sweet. And of course apples and cinnamon are just meant to be together.

These cupcakes are made with plenty of apple butter in both the frosting and the cupcake. It’s perfect if you’re ready to start baking with apples now, before apple picking season is in full swing. Apple butter is one of my favorite spreads and it works wonderfully in these cupcakes.

The cupcakes are super moist, light, fluffy and bursting with apple flavor. The frosting is smooth and creamy with a mix of cream cheese and apple butter plus a kick of cinnamon for added warmth. I finished them off with some dried apple chips, which work perfectly on top. They were a big hit! So cute, fun and tasty! I had to share them as soon as possible so that I didn’t eat them all.

APPLE BUTTER CUPCAKES

(makes 12-14 cupcakes)

For the Apple Butter Cupcakes:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cups sugar

6 tablespoons sour cream

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 egg whites

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons apple butter

2 tablespoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Add egg whites in two batches, mixing until well combined after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, set aside. Combine the apple butter and milk in a small measuring cup.
6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until well combined. Add the apple butter mixture and mix until well combined. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
7. Fill the cupcake liners about halfway. Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.

For the Cinnamon Apple Butter Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup butter, room temperature

4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons apple butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12-15 dried apple chips

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until combined and smooth.
2. Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
3. Add the apple butter, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and mix until smooth.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
5. Pipe swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake, then top them with a dried apple chip.

Store cupcakes in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.