Indulge in the delightful taste of Apple Pie Cupcakes, where classic flavors meet modern baking! This recipe combines tender cupcakes with sweet apple chunks and a creamy frosting that will impress any dessert lover. Perfect for parties or a cozy afternoon treat, these cupcakes are easy to make with simple ingredients. Click to discover the full recipe and bring the comfort of apple pie to your cupcake tray!
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Frosting: ½ cup cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons milk
![- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk - 1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - ¼ cup brown sugar - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons milk Using fresh and quality ingredients makes these cupcakes shine. The dry ingredients form the base. Flour gives structure, while baking powder and soda help them rise. Salt and cinnamon add flavor and balance. Next, the wet ingredients bring everything together. Softened butter and sugar create a fluffy mix, while eggs provide moisture. Vanilla adds warmth, and buttermilk makes them tender. The apple filling is key. I like Granny Smith for its tartness. Lemon juice keeps apples bright. Brown sugar and nutmeg enhance the flavor. Walnuts add a nice crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer. Finally, the frosting is rich and creamy. Cream cheese gives a tangy kick, while powdered sugar sweetens it up. Vanilla and milk smooth it out for easy spreading. Check the Full Recipe for precise measurements and more details. Each element plays a role in making these cupcakes a delightful treat. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. - In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mix aside. - In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes. - Add 2 large eggs to the butter mix, one at a time. Mix well after each one. - Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mixture. Alternate with ½ cup buttermilk. Mix until just combined. - Dice 1 large apple, preferably Granny Smith. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ cup chopped walnuts (if using). - Gently fold the apple mixture into the cupcake batter until you see it evenly spread. - Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners. Fill each about 2/3 full. - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - For the frosting, beat ½ cup softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Once the cupcakes are cool, frost each with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy your delightful Apple Pie Cupcakes! For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Soft butter is key for light and fluffy cupcakes. It mixes well with sugar, creating air pockets. Always measure your flour carefully. Use a spoon to scoop flour into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. This prevents dense cupcakes. To boost flavor, add spices like ginger or allspice. A dash of nutmeg also works well. Different apple varieties change the taste too. Try using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor, or Granny Smith for tartness. Each type brings a unique twist to your cupcakes. For the best frosting, ensure your cream cheese is softened. This helps create a smooth texture. Add milk slowly until you reach your desired consistency. For a nice look, use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes. You can even sprinkle cinnamon on top or add a small apple slice for decoration. {{image_2}} You can enjoy these apple pie cupcakes with some easy swaps. - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap works well and keeps the cupcakes tasty. - Dairy-free substitutions: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. Use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk. This makes the recipe great for anyone with dairy issues. Want to change the taste? Here are some fun ideas. - Adding caramel or chocolate: Drizzle melted caramel sauce on top of the frosting. You can also mix chocolate chips into the batter for a rich twist. - Incorporating different nuts or fruits: Try pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a new crunch. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness. Make these cupcakes special for any time of year. - Fall-inspired add-ins: Add pumpkin spice or chopped pecans for a cozy autumn feel. You can also use roasted pumpkin instead of some apple. - Holiday-themed variations: Use peppermint extract in the frosting for a festive twist. Decorate with edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun look. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your apple pie cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cupcakes and frosting separately. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. For the frosting, store it in a container. Use the same time frame for freezing. To thaw, take the cupcakes out of the freezer and leave them at room temperature for about an hour. You can also thaw the frosting in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, re-whip the frosting to make it fluffy again. These delightful cupcakes last about three days at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Just remember, the cold can dry them out, so airtight storage is key. For the best taste, enjoy them fresh! Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can frost them the day you plan to serve them. I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness. Mixing different types can add depth to the flavor. To make the cupcakes moister, use buttermilk as the recipe suggests. You can also add a bit more apple or even some applesauce. These additions will keep the cupcakes soft and flavorful. Yes, you can replace cream cheese frosting with vanilla buttercream or whipped cream. Both options bring sweetness and can enhance the cupcake flavor without being too heavy. To check if the cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready. If there is wet batter, give them more time. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious apple pie cupcakes. We covered the key ingredients, from dry to wet, and the apple filling. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. We also discussed tips for the best texture and frosting techniques. Finally, we touched on variations, storage info, and FAQs. These cupcakes are enjoyable and perfect for any occasion. You now have everything needed to create them at home. Enjoy the sweet success!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4d400032-46b2-48f5-bf94-9f5b5c134a2a-300x300.webp)