Apple-Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

By Coppermouse

Ingredients

• For the frosting:
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped tart apple
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and spices.\\\

In another medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and mix again until combined. Pour in the buttermilk and mix again. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined. Fold in the apples.

Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean, about 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes in pan, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack.

Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, mix the cream cheese and butter until combined. Add the sugar and mix until light and smooth. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled muffins.