Spiced Apple Cupcakes with Caramel-Penuche Frosting

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

2. Dice and Caramelize Apples

Dice the apples into 1/4-inch cubes. In a heavy skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of vegan margarine over medium heat, add the diced apples and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Cook for about 12 minutes until the apples are lightly caramelized.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of soy milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, letting it sit for a minute to curdle slightly. Then add 1/3 cup of canola oil, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.

4. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder, 0.25 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just moistened.

5. Fold in Caramelized Apples

Fold in the sautéed apples along with their juices into the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about three-quarters full.

6. Bake Cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare Caramel-Penuche Frosting

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of vegan margarine, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 0.33 cup of soy creamer, 2 tablespoons of soy milk powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 7-8 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.

8. Beat in Confectioners' Sugar

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using electric beaters, gradually beat in 2.5 cups of confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the frosting is thick, smooth, and fudgelike.

9. Frost Cupcakes and Add Peanuts

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the Caramel-Penuche frosting and sprinkle with chopped, roasted peanuts for an added crunch.