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Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe

Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the classic flavors of apple pie into a delightful, portable treat. These moist cupcakes feature a tender cake base filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple compote and are topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cupcake Batter

  • 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)

Cinnamon 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. 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 the apples are tender and the liquid thickens to a compote consistency. Add more water if needed to prevent burning. Transfer the compote to a small bowl and let cool completely.
  2. Prep Cupcake Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-hole muffin pan with parchment cupcake liners and set aside.
  3. Dry Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Wet Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter until creamy. Add granulated sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Lastly, beat in vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Sift half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined. Add half of the milk and mix briefly. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing only until smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon batter into liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth and thick.
  9. Prepare Piping Bag: Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small ribbon piping tip and set aside.
  10. Assemble Cupcakes: Using a small melon baller or knife, scoop out the center of each cupcake about halfway deep to create a cavity.
  11. Fill Cupcakes: Spoon apple compote into the holes, adding a little more on top and gently flattening the surface, leaving the edges of the cupcake clear.
  12. Pipe Frosting: Using the small ribbon tip, pipe two crisscrossing lines of frosting across the apple topping. Switch to an open star piping tip and pipe a decorative border around the edge of each cupcake, completing the design.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • If you prefer, substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk to make the cupcakes dairy-free.
  • These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a more intense apple flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the batter.
  • Make the apple filling a day ahead to save time on baking day.
  • Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, apple cupcakes, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, homemade cupcakes

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/apple-pie-cupcakes-recipe/