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Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 44 reviews

These delightful Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience of a cupcake. Each cupcake is filled with a warm apple compote and topped with a smooth cinnamon cream cheese frosting, perfect for dessert or a special treat.

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

Cupcakes

  • 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. 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. Uncover and cook until the apples are tender and excess liquid evaporates, stirring frequently. Add a bit more water if it dries out or burns. Transfer apple compote to a bowl and let cool completely.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-hole muffin or cupcake pan with parchment cupcake liners and set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until very creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Using a fine mesh sieve, 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 until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently until smooth and fully incorporated.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake: Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy in a small bowl. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth, thick, and creamy.
  10. Prepare Piping Bag: Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small ribbon piping tip (or use two piping bags if needed) and set aside.
  11. Scoop Cupcake Centers: Using a small melon baller or knife, carefully scoop out the center of each cupcake about halfway deep to create a cavity.
  12. Fill with Apple Compote: Fill each cavity with cooled apple compote. Add an additional spoonful of compote on top, slightly flattening it but leaving the edges visible.
  13. Pipe Frosting Decoration: Using the ribbon piping tip, pipe two crisscrossing lines of frosting over the apple topping. Switch to an open star piping tip and pipe a decorative border around the entire cupcake on top of the frosting lines.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart filling.
  • If the apple compote becomes too dry or sticky while cooking, add small amounts of water to prevent burning.
  • For dairy-free options, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Ensure all dairy ingredients (butter, cream cheese, milk) are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, apple cupcakes, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, apple compote filling, baked cupcakes, fall desserts

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