Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of autumn with the fun of a cupcake, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! Imagine biting into a light and fluffy cupcake filled with spiced apple goodness, topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. It’s like enjoying a cozy apple crumble in cupcake form! This recipe is perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to treat yourself after a busy week.

What makes these cupcakes truly special is how easy they are to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers will feel confident tackling this sweet treat. Plus, they’re sure to impress your friends and family with their delicious flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously comforting: The warm spices and sweet apples make each bite feel like a hug.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cupcakes! These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Easily make ahead: You can prepare the apple filling or crumble in advance, making baking day a breeze.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite nuts or swap out spices to create your own twist.
• Perfect for sharing: With 12 servings, these cupcakes are ideal for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Everything you need is likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather to make these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 Apples (medium sized, regular eating apples)
• 30 g Light brown soft sugar
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Mixed spice
• 1 tsp Cornflour (cornstarch)
• 10 g Butter (unsalted)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 8 g Light brown soft sugar
• 17 g Plain flour
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon

For the Cupcakes:

• 175 g Butter or baking spread (softened, unsalted)
• 175 g Light brown soft sugar
• 3 Eggs (large)
• 175 g Self-raising flour
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Mixed spice

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 175 g Butter (softened, unsalted)
• 350 g Icing sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 2-3 tbsp Milk

Variations

One of the best things about these Apple Crumble Cupcakes is their flexibility! You can easily adapt them to suit your taste or try something new.

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an extra crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Try adding some diced pears or berries for a delightful twist on flavor.
• Change the spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique spin.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute self-raising flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To get started on your delicious cupcakes, peel and core those apples. Chop them into small chunks so they cook nicely. In a pan over low heat, combine the apple pieces with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the apples become soft. This step is crucial as it allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 2: Make the Crumble

Once your apples are cooking away, it’s time to create that irresistible crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, mix plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Now comes the fun part—add the butter and rub it into the mixture using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture onto your lined tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool; it will firm up even more as it does!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now that we have our fillings ready, let’s focus on those scrumptious cupcakes! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth—this creates that delightful base for our sponge! Next, add in those eggs one by one while whisking well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice until everything is mixed but don’t overdo it!

Divide this delicious batter evenly amongst your cupcake cases and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, leave them to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once cooled down completely—grab yourself a cupcake corer or knife to make holes in each one. Fill each hole generously with that luscious spiced apple filling you made earlier. Now onto our dreamy buttercream frosting! In another bowl, mix softened butter until creamy before adding icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk; beat until smooth.

Using either piping bags or good ol’ spoons—top off those cupcakes with your velvety buttercream followed by more of that lovely apple filling on top. Finally sprinkle over your crunchy crumble topping!

And there you have it—beautiful Apple Crumble Cupcakes ready to be devoured! Enjoy every last crumb as they disappear from sight; I promise you won’t find any leftovers!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the best Apple Crumble Cupcakes ever!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during cooking and balance the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.

• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow your baked cupcakes to cool completely before filling them with apple filling. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain that perfect cupcake texture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes better emulsification, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cupcake.

• Pipe Buttercream with Precision: If you want a professional look, invest in a piping bag with various nozzles. This allows you to create beautiful swirls of buttercream on your cupcakes.

• Keep Crumble Fresh: If you’re not serving immediately, hold off on adding the crumble topping until just before serving. This keeps it crunchy and prevents it from getting soggy from the buttercream.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds a warm touch and enhances the flavor profile.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over the crumble can add an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a pleasing crunch and complement the apple filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy coconut ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cupcakes, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cupcakes, offering a refreshing side.
• Hot Spiced Cider: Serve alongside hot spiced cider for a cozy autumn vibe that complements the flavors in your cupcakes perfectly.
• Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee provides a comforting beverage option that enhances your dessert experience while enjoying these sweet treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will not only taste amazing but also impress everyone at your gathering! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy delightful desserts throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container.
• Keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• You can freeze the unfilled cupcakes for up to a month.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored cupcakes in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For frozen cupcakes, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
• Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but be cautious not to overdo it!

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes. Here are some answers to help you out!

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cupcakes can be made ahead of time and stored. Just follow the storage guidelines above to keep them fresh.

What can I substitute for apples in Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider using pears or peaches instead. Both fruits will create a lovely filling that complements the spices beautifully.

How do I ensure my Apple Crumble Cupcakes stay moist?

To keep your cupcakes moist, avoid overbaking and allow them to cool completely before storing. Adding a bit more milk to your buttercream can also help maintain moisture.

Can I use different spices in my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Adjusting spice levels can lead to unique flavors that suit your palate.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also bring warmth and comfort, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe – it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy baking!