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
Tender buttermilk cupcakes with caramel icing. Make this an extra special treat with a mini candied apple topping.
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
Notes
Insert popsicle sticks (12) into half of the cupcakes for a caramel apple look!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 390Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 86mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 3gSugar: 57gProtein: 3g
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
LydiaF
The mini apples are awesome! I hope I run across them.
Bam's Kitchen
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.
Jillian
These look adorable, perfect for fall.
Choc Chip Uru
These cupcakes are so cute, they are party perfect 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, CCU! I’m super happy with the way these little cute guys baked up!
[email protected] Tastes Good
I have to try this caramel icing! yummmm
Sandra Shaffer
You’ll want to lick the mixing bowl clean once you taste the caramel icing!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama
First off- how adorable are those little apples?? Love them! These cupcakes look amazing! 🙂
Sandra Shaffer
I have so much fun with mini servings, and couldn’t wait to find a fun recipe for the apples!
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty]
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!!!
Sandra Shaffer
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)
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I haven’t made buttermilk cupcakes since before you were born. 🙂 I need to get in the kitchen!
Sandra Shaffer
You are so funny, Maureen! You could be my sister ! You do share the same name as my little sis!
Shelby
How adorable are those apples!? Your cupcake looks delicious too, lucky friend!
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Shelby. I love baking sweets for my friends!
Rachael
I am behind the Pinterest world too, but oh well! I love this, so gorgeous, and 2 in one. Totally awesome.
Sandra Shaffer
Yes, two treats! Eat the cupcake now and the candy apple later!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Love these cupcakes! And the mini apples?? How fun!!
Sandra Shaffer
These cuties sold out quick! I went back to the store for more and they were all gone!
erica s
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
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Erica! Some foods I think we should enjoy all year long, especially pumpkin!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
These look utterly delicious. I’m having a sweet tooth at the moment so would love to have some.
Sandra Shaffer
These would definitely hit that craving!
Mary Ellen
Love these apples, went and read the article about them. I’m going to see if I can find some!
Sandra Shaffer
I hope you can find them Mary Ellen! I can just imagine what your creation will be like!
Kelly @ TastingPage
Not only are these stunning, but they look so tasty. The perfect addition to any holiday table!
Sandra Shaffer
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!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures
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!
Sandra Shaffer
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!
Norma Chang
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.
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Norma! I think they stood out to me because they were on sale 😉
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
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!
Sandra Shaffer
Thank you, Dorothy!I wanted to learn more about these adorable tiny apples and was so glad to come across your informative post!
christine
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!
Sandra Shaffer
Yep, tiny apples! Pretty wild. Have a wonderful holiday Christine!
The Food Hunter
very cute!
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Theresa!