Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon
Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make
Introduction
Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon are a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes, combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the rich, creamy texture of a cheesecake-like filling. This recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of fruit and cheese in their desserts, offering a unique taste that's both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you're looking for a special treat to serve at a gathering or simply want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
History
The concept of combining apples with a creamy, cheesecake-like filling in a cupcake form is a relatively modern innovation, drawing inspiration from traditional apple pies and cheesecakes. The use of Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture, combined with the richness of cream cheese and the warmth of cinnamon, creates a dessert that is both familiar and novel. This recipe is a testament to the ongoing evolution of baking, where classic flavors are continually reimagined in new and exciting ways.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) granny smith apples, cut into pieces
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 0.75 cup flour
- 0.5 cup apple juice
- 3 tbsp each oil and unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 tsp cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 0.5 tsp each baking soda and cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp salt
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line 12 regular muffin cups with paper liners.
- Heat a skillet.
- Stir in apples, 0.25 cup of brown sugar, and butter.
- Cook until the apples are caramelized.
- Let the mixture cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, 0.25 cup of brown sugar, and egg until smooth and fluffy.
- Set the cream cheese mixture aside.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar and the rest of the ingredients (except the cooked apples). Stir until well blended.
- Divide the mixture among the muffin cups.
- Top each muffin cup with 1 tbsp of the cooked apples, 1 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture, and then the remaining apples.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cream cheese mixture has puffed up and set.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan.
- Before serving, remove the paper liners.
- These muffins go great with a hot cup of coffee.
Variations
- For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for extra warmth. Alternatively, swap out the Granny Smith apples for another variety, such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn, for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure the best results, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating it with sugar and egg; this will help achieve a smooth and fluffy texture. When caramelizing the apples, be patient and allow them to cook down until they're just tender and golden brown, as this will intensify their flavor. For the cupcakes to have a uniform look and consistent baking time, try to divide the batter, apples, and cream cheese mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for a cozy afternoon snack or a sophisticated dessert at a dinner party.
Cooking Techniques
The key techniques in this recipe include caramelizing the apples to enhance their flavor, beating the cream cheese mixture until fluffy for a light texture, and carefully layering the ingredients in the muffin cups to ensure each cupcake has a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're out of apple juice, you can substitute it with another liquid, such as milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Make Ahead Tips
The caramelized apples and cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking and ensure the ingredients are perfectly chilled and ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
For an elegant presentation, dust the cooled cupcakes with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon. You can also garnish them with a thin slice of fresh apple or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pairing Recommendations
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a variety of beverages, from warm spiced cider to a rich, full-bodied coffee. For a more indulgent pairing, consider a dessert wine such as a late harvest Riesling.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single Black-bottom Apple Cupcake with Cinnamon contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively indulgent treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon contains approximately 28 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the brown sugar, flour, and apples, providing energy as well as essential nutrients.
Fats
These cupcakes contain about 10 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being unsalted butter and cream cheese. The fats contribute to the rich and moist texture of the cupcakes, making them incredibly satisfying.
Proteins
Each cupcake offers around 4 grams of protein, primarily from the cream cheese and egg. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making these cupcakes a bit more nutritious than your average dessert.
Vitamins and minerals
Thanks to the apples and other ingredients, these cupcakes provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Apples are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while eggs and cream cheese contribute B vitamins and calcium, respectively.
Alergens
This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy (cream cheese, butter) and gluten (flour). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.
Summary
Overall, Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon are a moderately indulgent dessert option that offers a good balance of flavors and textures. While they do contain sugar and fat, they also provide proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a satisfying treat.
Summary
Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon are a delightful and sophisticated dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the richness of a cream cheese filling. With a variety of textures and flavors, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers an opportunity to create something truly special.
How did I get this recipe?
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The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold, blustery day in the early days of autumn, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe caught my eye - Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tart apples seemed like the perfect treat for the changing season.
I had never made anything quite like it before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - flour, sugar, eggs, butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and of course, fresh apples. I set to work in my cozy kitchen, the scent of cinnamon filling the air as I peeled and chopped the apples.
As I mixed the batter, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. But the best recipes were always the ones that had been passed down through generations, like this one.
I poured the chocolate batter into the cupcake liners, then topped each one with a spoonful of the apple mixture. As they baked in the oven, the whole house filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and chocolate mingling together.
When the cupcakes were finally done, I took them out of the oven and let them cool on the counter. The chocolate had formed a rich, gooey base, while the apples on top had softened and caramelized in the heat. I dusted them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before taking a bite.
The first taste was pure heaven. The sweetness of the apples paired perfectly with the rich, dark chocolate, and the hint of cinnamon added a warm, comforting spice. I knew then that this recipe would become a favorite in my kitchen, one that I would pass down to my own grandchildren someday.
Over the years, I made these Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I was always happy to share it, passing on the tradition of this delicious treat to anyone who wanted to try it.
As I grew older, my hands became a little less steady, and my memory started to fade. But one thing that never wavered was my love for cooking and sharing good food with the people I cared about. And this recipe, with its blend of sweet and savory flavors, became a symbol of that love.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cinnamon and apples, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the memories that this recipe holds. It's a reminder of the joy that cooking has brought me over the years, and the connections that food can create between people.
So, if you ever find yourself craving a sweet, comforting treat on a cold autumn day, I hope you'll give these Black-bottom Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon a try. They may just become a favorite in your kitchen, too - a recipe that brings people together and warms the soul.
Categories
| American Recipes | Apple Juice Recipes | Cocoa Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Cupcake Recipes | Granny Smith Apple Recipes | World Recipes |