Why Apple Pie Cupcakes Are the Next Best Thing
You know that feeling when you crave apple pie but don’t want to deal with all that crust and slicing? Enter apple pie cupcakes! They’re cute, portable, and packed with all the fall flavors you love without the fuss. Who wouldn’t want a piece of pie in cupcake form? 🍏🧁
Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or simply because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat! Trust me, these little delights will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
Making these apple pie cupcakes is as easy as pie—pun totally intended! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll do:
- Make the apple filling: Combine those diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Cook it a bit with water until it gets nice and saucy.
- Prepare the cupcake batter: Mix flour, baking powder, and your favorite spices, then cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Fold in the apple filling like you own the place.
- Bake those beauties: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake until they’re golden and irresistible.
- Whip up the frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and spices for a creamy topping.
- Assemble: Top off each cupcake with a swirl of that cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Voila, you’re a cupcake wizard! 🧙♂️
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up these scrumptious cupcakes:
- 4 small tart apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- 30 g brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 50 g water
- 185 g cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 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)
- 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
Directions
Here’s how to make these cupcakes shine:
Apple Filling:
- In a saucepan, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon.
- Add water and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway and then add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling.
- Top with more batter until 2/3 full. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are cool, top them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes
Serve these charming little cupcakes on a pretty platter. You can sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for a cute touch. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet movie night at home! 🍿✨
How to Store Apple Pie Cupcakes
Keep your cupcakes fresh by tossing them in an airtight container. They’ll chill happily in the fridge for up to 5 days, but let’s be real, they rarely last that long. If you want to stash them for later, pop them in the freezer and they’ll be good for about 3 months.
Tips to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Don’t skip the chill time for the apple filling; it helps solidify the flavors.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to mix it up!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:
- Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting.
- Nutty Topping: Add crushed nuts to the frosting for some extra crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve; they’ll taste fresher that way!
2. Can I use a different type of frosting?
For sure! A classic vanilla buttercream or even whipped cream could work wonders. Get creative!
3. What if I can’t find tart apples?
If you can’t find tart apples, go for any apple variety you love! Just adjust the sugar to taste if they’re on the sweeter side.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Apple Pie Cupcakes and let those flavors take you on a delicious journey! 🍏✨
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon.
- Add water and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway and then add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling.
- Top with more batter until 2/3 full. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, top them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.