If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of classic apple pie but want a fun, handheld twist, this Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, moist cupcakes bursting with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These cupcakes pack every bit of that nostalgic apple pie goodness into a delightful package you can serve at any gathering or enjoy during a quiet moment with tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the cupcake’s flavor, texture, and charm. From the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the rich cream cheese frosting, every ingredient contributes its own magic.
- Granny Smith apples: Crisp and tart, these apples provide the perfect balance to the sweetness in the cupcakes.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both the filling and batter, it sweetens without overpowering.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps maintain the apples’ fresh flavor and color.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that evokes warm, nostalgic apple desserts.
- Kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweet elements.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and tender crumb in the cupcakes and smoothness in the filling.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter and helps thicken the filling for a satisfyingly dense texture.
- Baking powder: Gives lift and lightness to the cupcakes.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that deepens the spice profile.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of sweetness and aroma.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- Cream cheese: For smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced apples.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the frosting for a light, airy finish.
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by dicing three medium Granny Smith apples. Cook them gently in a skillet with butter, sugar, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and a touch of flour. This mixture softens the apples just enough while thickening the juices to form a luscious filling. Once cooked, set this aside to cool; incorporating a cooled filling ensures the batter doesn’t melt and bake unevenly.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry blend forms the cupcake’s spiced base and will give every bite a lovely depth.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs and Milk
In a separate large bowl, cream ¾ cup unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—a crucial step for a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract and whole milk. This creates the moist, rich batter that transforms into soft cupcakes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can toughen cupcakes, so keep it light and easy.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Spoon a generous dollop of the apple filling over the batter in each cup, then cover with more batter until the cups are about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake (avoiding the apple filling) comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then fold in the heavy cream while beating until stiff peaks form. This frosting is creamy, slightly tangy, and the perfect topping to balance these sweet-spiced cupcakes.
Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Don’t be shy — this extra layer of flavor turns simple cupcakes into a memorable dessert experience.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe truly pop visually and flavor-wise, consider topping them with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a small slice of apple, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These simple touches add a welcoming warmth and an extra hint of sweetness that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a charming addition to brunch spreads alongside bacon, sausage, or a light fruit salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cupcakes into a festive centerpiece by arranging them on a tiered cake stand sprinkled with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks. For a party, serve them in pretty cupcake wrappers or topped with edible gold leaf for a little added elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cupcakes moist. They will stay delicious for up to three days, making them a great option for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost once completely cooled. Frosted cupcakes can be frozen too, but be sure to freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container to protect the frosting.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, gently warm the cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. Be careful not to melt the frosting; warming just brings out those fresh flavors and soft textures beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, you can swap them for Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just be mindful that softer apples may break down more during cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the frosting will need a dairy-free cream cheese option and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to maintain that creamy texture.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to avoid any surprises.
How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
You can bake and frost the cupcakes up to two days ahead and store them refrigerated until serving. This makes them perfect for planning parties or special gatherings without the stress of last-minute baking.
What’s the best way to get the apple filling to the right consistency?
Cooking the diced apples with the flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture thickens slightly is key. The flour helps thicken the juices released from the apples so the filling isn’t too runny inside the cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the familiar flavors of apple pie with the convenience and fun of cupcakes, this Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or simply to brighten your day with something sweet and homey. Dive in, bake up a batch, and prepare to share your new favorite dessert with everyone you love!
Print
Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cupcakes that beautifully combine tender apple filling with moist spiced cake, topped with creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. A perfect twist on classic apple pie, these cupcakes offer all the flavors you love in an easy-to-serve format, ideal for gatherings or a cozy dessert treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and whole milk until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter. Spoon a generous dollop of the cooled apple filling onto the batter in each liner, then cover the filling with additional batter to fill the liners about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Slowly add the heavy cream, beating until stiff peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost generously with the vanilla cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent the batter from curdling.
- You can use other tart apple varieties if Granny Smith is unavailable.
- The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on the frosting before serving.
- Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated, for the best flavor and texture.
