Get ready for a tasty treat with these Apple Pie Cupcakes! They combine the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun cupcake form. Soft, spiced cake topped with creamy frosting—what’s not to love?
I enjoy how these little bites are perfect for sharing, or just for keeping all to myself! Plus, they smell so good while baking, you’ll have everyone in the house coming to check on them. 🍏🧁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for our cupcakes. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but check for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Apples: I used Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. If you’re in a pinch, canned apple pie filling works too, just drain it first!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here, allowing you to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Cream cheese: This gives the frosting its creamy texture and tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar as a frosting base.
How Can I Ensure My Cupcakes Are Moist and Delicious?
The key to moist cupcakes is not over-mixing the batter. After you add the dry ingredients, mix until you just see the flour disappear. Also, be sure to fold in the diced apples gently—this keeps the batter light!
- Preheat your oven properly; oven temperature affects baking time and texture.
- Don’t forget to cool the cupcakes completely before frosting them; this prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape.
Following these tips will help you achieve light, fluffy, and flavorful apple pie cupcakes every time! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Topping:
- Small diced cooked apple pieces (lightly sautéed with cinnamon and sugar)
- Caramel sauce, for drizzle
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 18-22 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting, which may take about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about an hour to make these yummy apple pie cupcakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to get ready for your batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This will ensure our cupcakes are flavorful and fluffy!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now comes the fun part! Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t over-mix!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Bake the Cupcakes:
Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Yay for baking!
8. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for perfect frosting!
9. Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until combined.
10. Add Flavor:
Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until everything is well blended and delicious!
11. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with your cream cheese frosting using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or spread with a knife if you prefer a more rustic look.
12. Top and Drizzle:
Add a few small pieces of sautéed cinnamon apples on top of each frosted cupcake. Drizzle caramel sauce over them for an extra touch of sweetness, and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Now they’re ready to be served! Enjoy your delicious apple pie cupcakes that taste just like your favorite pie, but in a fun cupcake form!
Can I Use Frozen Apples in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy.
How Can I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve!
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Make These Cupcakes Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese for the frosting. Just ensure that the caramel sauce is also vegan-friendly!