Ingredients

• all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups
• granulated sugar - 1 cup
• baking powder - 1 tsp
• baking soda - ½ tsp
• salt - ¼ tsp
• ground cinnamon - 1 tsp
• eggs - 2 large
• applesauce - ½ cup
• vegetable oil - ⅓ cup
• vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• finely chopped apples - 1 cup
• caramel sauce - for drizzling
• butter - ½ cup
• powdered sugar - 2 cups
• heavy cream - 2-4 tbsp

Instructions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. 2.

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. 3.

   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. 4.

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

5. 5.

   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

6. 6.

   Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

7. 7.

   For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.

8. 8.

   Pipe or spread the frosting on cooled cupcakes and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.