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Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing

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Delicious Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing topped with a mini candied apple!

Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing - The Foodie Affair

I haven’t hit my cookie baking craze for the holidays quite yet. It will come in another week or so, but for now I’m baking scrumptious Fall cupcakes, which just might put me behind the blogging holiday schedule according to what I see on Pinterest! Christmas cookies are in full pinning force, and boy there are some scrumptious looking treats!

Fall is my favorite time of year, and I’m determined not the rush the season along by baking Christmas cookies just yet. Let’s enjoy Thanksgiving and these cupcakes first!

Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing - The Foodie Affair

I made a mini birthday cake for my good friend, Michele and these cupcakes! The buttermilk cake is tender and tasty, but what really brings the flavors together is the earthy caramel icing!

Plus, I added an extra special decoration. What looks like a cherry on top of the cupcake is actually a mini candy apple! These crispy adorable Crimson Gold apples were at my grocery store and I had to have them. I bought two bags full!  Aren’t they the cutest little apples you’ve ever seen? They’re a perfect little sweet and flavorful snack! They are also the perfect candy apple topper for these cupcakes!

If you’re interested in learning more about these little gems, I found this great article Crimson Gold Apples – A Tiny Tasty Treat! over at Shockingly Delicious!

Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing - The Foodie Affair

Yield: 24

Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, unsalted and at room temperture
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Caramel Icing

  • 1/2 stick (4 ounce) butter, unsalted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Candy Apple

  • 12 Crimson Apples
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4-6 drops red food coloring

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees. Line 2 muffin pans with cupcake liners and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one a a time beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
  • In a separate medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add a third of the flour to the butter mixture alternate with buttermilk. Mix well after each addition. Pour into prepared cupcake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire baking rack.
  • CARAMEL ICING
  • Combine butter, brown sugar and cream in a small saucepan. Over medium heat bring to a boil, stirring constantly ensuring the sugar melts and none is on the bottom of the saucepan. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. On low speed beat in sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Dip each cupcake into the batter and let set.
  • CANDY APPLES
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place clean mini apple on top and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan add sugar, corn syrup and water and cook over medium heat (watch so it closely so it doesn't boil over pan) until a candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees (not more than 310). Remove from heat and stir in food coloring. Using a spear or small pliers (protect your fingers and hands!) dip each apple into the hot candy. Place back on baking sheet and let harden. Place on cupcake or eat plain.

    • Notes

    Insert popsicle sticks (12) into half of the cupcakes for a caramel apple look!

    © Sandra @ The Foodie Affair
    Category: Dessert - Cupcakes

    Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing - The Foodie Affair

    The Foodie Affair Blog

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    2. I thought for sure that apple was really a fun play w/ a cherry. I’m definitely going to head over to learn about those. I agree, let’s not rush Christmas, let’s enjoy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

    4. Cannot recall seeing Crimson Gold apples at my food market but may be they are there I did not notice, will pay attention when next I go shopping. Your cupcakes are so cute.

      Reply

    5. I’m right there with ya, not wanting to move too fast into the cookie season just yet, which is why there is a carrot cake cupcake on my own blog today. Your cupcakes are seriously the cutest! I have never seen mini apples, but what a fun buy!

      Reply

    9. These apples are adorbs and cupcakes look delicious! I’m with you about not cooking Christmas cookies until it’s actually time. I just published my first pumpkin recipe of the year today lol

      Reply

    19. You always come up with such creative and delicious ideas. This looks so delicious. We sometimes get those little mini apples from Japan. I will have to keep my eyes open for them.

      Reply

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