Apple Cupcakes

Apples transform cupcakes into incredibly moist, fluffy cakes of subtle fruitiness. It's a delicious way to get a little more fruit into your diet.





Ingredients:

2 large apples, chopped
½ cup water
½ cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

2) Place apples and water in a medium pot; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until softened, 15 to 25 minutes. Transfer apples, using a slotted spoon, to a food processor; puree until smooth. Set aside.

3) Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Add apple puree and vanilla; beat until smooth.

4) In a medium bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture, slowly beating to incorporate, until just combined.

5) Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Bake until tops are springy to the touch, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.