Apple Pie Cupcakes

Here’s a delightful Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe that combines the cozy flavors of apple pie in a fun, handheld cupcake form! These are perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Apple Pie Cupcakes

(Makes 12 cupcakes)

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp vinegar)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & diced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup (30g) flour

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (60g) butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups (190g) powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Apple Filling:

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

• Mix cornstarch + water, stir into the apples, and cook 1-2 more minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

3. Assemble & Bake:

• Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter. Add 1 tbsp apple filling in the center, then cover with more batter (about ¾ full).

• (Optional) Make streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter with fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle on top.

• Bake 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

4. Frost & Serve (Optional):

• Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

• Top with extra apple filling, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon.

Tips:

• For extra apple flavor, reduce ½ cup apple cider and mix into the batter.

• Skip frosting and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an apple pie à la mode twist!

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (best fresh).

These Apple Pie Cupcakes are a hit at parties—enjoy! 🍎🧁😊