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Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 147 reviews

Delight in these delicious Apple Pie Cupcakes featuring a perfectly spiced apple filling nestled inside moist cinnamon cupcake batter, topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. A comforting treat that combines the flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of cupcakes, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 4 small tart apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 30 g brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 50 g water

Cupcakes

  • 185 g cake flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 150 g milk, dairy or non-dairy

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 60 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 125 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 75 g powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apple Filling: In a small pot, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and the liquid thickens into a compote. Add water if it becomes too dry or starts to burn. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-hole muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated fully. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Using a fine mesh sieve, sift half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Pour in half of the milk and mix gently. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until smooth and combined without overmixing.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened butter in a small bowl until creamy. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until smooth, thick, and creamy.
  10. Prepare Piping Bag: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small ribbon piping tip and set aside.
  11. Scoop Out Cupcake Centers: Using a melon baller or small knife, carefully scoop out the middle of each cooled cupcake about halfway down.
  12. Fill with Apple Compote: Fill the hollowed centers with the cooled apple compote. Spoon a bit more on top of the cupcake, flattening slightly but leaving edges uncovered.
  13. Pipe Frosting Decoratively: Using the ribbon piping tip, pipe two crisscross lines of frosting over the apple topping. Switch to an open star piping tip and pipe a border around the edge of the cupcake, finishing with a beautiful decorative touch.

Notes

  • If apples are too tart, adjust sweetness by adding a little more brown sugar to the filling.
  • Use parchment cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
  • For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Apple compote can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor impact.