Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing
Delicious Buttermilk Cupcakes topped with Caramel Icing and a mini candied apple! Fun fall treat for any gathering! Light and tender cupcake with just the right amount of sweetness in the caramel frosting.
Buttermilk Cupcakes
According to Pinterest I’m already behind the blogging holiday schedule. Yep, there are tons of holiday desserts already circulating.
I’m never in a rush for the holiday season. It’s hard to just enjoy right now instead of looking toward what is next, which is what bloggers need to do so we don’t fall behind the eight ball.
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 buttermilk cupcakes first!
Are you with me?
Buttermilk Cupcake Recipe With Mini Candy Apples
These cupcakes are just super adorable and fun to make. This recipe is your typical lots of sugar and flour recipe.
There is nothing diet-like in this recipe. In fact, I won’t recommend any modifications. Sometimes it’s ok to indulge. As long as lingering medical conditions don’t set you back.
Buttermilk cake adds a nice tang, 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! Â
Aren’t they the cutest little apples you’ve ever seen? They’re a perfect little sweet and flavorful snack!
Crimson Gold apples also are 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!
Why Use Buttermilk In Vanilla Cupcakes?
Buttermilk is acidic, which helps break down gluten aiding it tender cupcakes.
In addition, the reaction of the buttermilk and baking soda together adds air giving these buttermilk cupcakes a nice airy texture.
Can I Use Powdered Buttermilk?
Yes! Powder buttermilk works fine in baked goods adding the same yummy flavor and texture.
Although there are some tips to consider. I find that the powdered buttermilk can clump up when reconstituted, so you need to mix well.
One way to incorporate powder buttermilk is to whisk it into the dry ingredients, then add the extra water it calls for in the liquid ingredients.
How To Store Candied Apples
These mini candied apples will last several days at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Although, I recommend covering them to keep them dry so that the candy doesn’t get gooey or extra sticky.
To keep the buttermilk cupcakes fresh as well, add the apples just before serving.
Buttermilk Cupcakes with Caramel Icing
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
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
PIN TO YOUR CUPCAKE AND DESSERT BOARDS
The mini apples are awesome! I hope I run across them.
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.
These look adorable, perfect for fall.
These cupcakes are so cute, they are party perfect 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, CCU! I’m super happy with the way these little cute guys baked up!
I have to try this caramel icing! yummmm
You’ll want to lick the mixing bowl clean once you taste the caramel icing!
First off- how adorable are those little apples?? Love them! These cupcakes look amazing! 🙂
I have so much fun with mini servings, and couldn’t wait to find a fun recipe for the apples!
I’m always behind the blogging trend – I can’t keep up with that always being a season ahead! And you are absolutely right, those apples ARE the cutest things I’ve ever seen! I LOVE all things mini!!!
Isn’t individual sized foods fun to make and eat? I’m glad I’m not alone in the catch-up game of seasonal blogging :0)
I haven’t made buttermilk cupcakes since before you were born. 🙂 I need to get in the kitchen!
You are so funny, Maureen! You could be my sister ! You do share the same name as my little sis!
How adorable are those apples!? Your cupcake looks delicious too, lucky friend!
Thanks, Shelby. I love baking sweets for my friends!
I am behind the Pinterest world too, but oh well! I love this, so gorgeous, and 2 in one. Totally awesome.
Yes, two treats! Eat the cupcake now and the candy apple later!
Love these cupcakes! And the mini apples?? How fun!!
These cuties sold out quick! I went back to the store for more and they were all gone!
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
Thanks, Erica! Some foods I think we should enjoy all year long, especially pumpkin!
These look utterly delicious. I’m having a sweet tooth at the moment so would love to have some.
These would definitely hit that craving!
Love these apples, went and read the article about them. I’m going to see if I can find some!
I hope you can find them Mary Ellen! I can just imagine what your creation will be like!
Not only are these stunning, but they look so tasty. The perfect addition to any holiday table!
Thank you, Kelly! When I bought them I thought I would use them as decor, then I tasted it and was surprised by how delicious they are!
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!
Once I put the cookie baking into motion I start to think of gift giving and packed parking lots! haha I wish these mini apples were available all year long!
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.
Thanks, Norma! I think they stood out to me because they were on sale 😉
I LOVE what you have done with these Crimson Gold tiny apples! So very creative! Thanks for linking to my article about them. I adore them, too. Now’s the time for them…get them while you can!
Thank you, Dorothy!I wanted to learn more about these adorable tiny apples and was so glad to come across your informative post!
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!
Yep, tiny apples! Pretty wild. Have a wonderful holiday Christine!
very cute!
Thanks, Theresa!