Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup

or 115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2/3 cup

packed light or dark brown sugar (I prefer dark)

1/3 cup

granulated sugar

large eggs, at room temperature

1/3 cup

milk1

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract

and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)

1 tsp

baking soda

1/4 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

1 tsp

ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp

ground nutmeg

large apple, peeled and finely chopped (about 2 cups)2

1/2 cup

or 115g) unsalted butter

1 cup

(200g) packed light or dark brown sugar (I prefer dark)

1/3 cup

(5 Tablespoons; 80ml) heavy cream, divided

1/4 tsp

salt

2 cups

(240-360g) confectioners' sugar, sifted

optional garnish: salted caramel sauce and apple slices