These homemade apple butter cupcakes are full of apple flavor and easy to make! Apple butter is found in the icing of the cupcakes and cream cheese. These cupcakes are perfect for fall!
INGREDIENTS
For apple butter cupcakes :
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cups of sugar
6 tablespoons sour cream
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 egg whites
1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking yeast
½ teaspoon of salt
6 tablespoons of apple butter
2 tablespoons of milk
For the apple butter and cinnamon glaze:
8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup butter, room temperature
4 ½ cups of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of apple butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
12-15 dried apple chips
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the apple butter cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake toppings.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and stir until well blended.
Add the egg whites in half, stirring until well blended each time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.
Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl, set aside. Mix apple butter and milk in a small measuring cup.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the dough and mix until well blended. Add the apple butter mixture and stir until well blended. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.
Fill cupcake pans to about half full. Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
Prepare the apple butter and cinnamon frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until well blended and smooth.
Add about half of the powdered sugar and stir until smooth.
Add the apple butter, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and stir until smooth.
Add the remaining powdered sugar and stir until smooth.
Swirl the icing onto the cupcakes with a large open star tip and cover with a piece of dried apple.
NOTES
Store cupcakes in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.