Caramel Apple Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

APPLE SPICE CUPCAKES

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

3 egg whites

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

3/4 cup salted butter, slightly melted

1 large apple, peeled and chopped

CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM

1 cup butter

1 cup shortening

8 cups powdered sugar

3/4 cup + 2 tbsp caramel sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.
Add egg whites, vanilla extract, sour cream, milk and butter and mix on medium speed just until smooth. Do not over mix.
Stir in chopped apples
Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full.
Bake 17-19 minutes.
Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes, then remove to cooling rack to finish cooling.
To make the buttercream, bombine butter and shortening and mix until smooth.
Add 4 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Add caramel sauce and mix until smooth.
Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Top cupcakes with icing and a drizzle of caramel.