Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apple crumble with the fun of cupcakes, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! They bring together soft, spiced cupcakes filled with a sweet apple mixture and topped with luscious cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cupcakes are sure to brighten any day.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it wraps you in cozy flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, you’ll find joy in each bite of these scrumptious cupcakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
• Family Favorite: With their sweet apple filling and creamy frosting, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone at your table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble ahead of time—perfect for busy schedules!
• Perfectly Portion Controlled: Each cupcake is just the right size for a sweet treat without overindulging.
• Great for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to birthday parties, these Apple Crumble Cupcakes will fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a batch of delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes. Let’s gather everything we need!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into your crumble for extra crunch!
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a refreshing twist on flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger in your apple filling for a unique taste.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based spreads and eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and coring your apples. Chop them into small chunks so they cook evenly. Place these pieces in a pan over low heat along with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together as it cooks; this helps release the apples’ natural sweetness. Cover with a lid and let them soften for about 10-15 minutes before removing from heat. Remember to let it cool completely before using!

Step 2: Make the 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 together. Add in unsalted butter and use your fingers or a fork to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture evenly on your prepared tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown—a beautiful crunchy topping awaits!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

For the cupcakes themselves, preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. In a mixing bowl (an electric mixer works best), cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add in large eggs one at a time while whisking well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice until combined. Divide this batter among your cupcake cases and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Step 4: Fill Your Cupcakes

Once cooled completely, use either a cupcake corer or knife to create holes in the center of each cupcake. This is where all that lovely apple filling will go! Spoon it generously into each hole—this secret compartment will keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting

To make that dreamy buttercream frosting, start by mixing softened butter alone until fluffy—about three minutes should do! Gradually add icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk; mix until smooth. If it feels too stiff, don’t hesitate to add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost Your Cupcakes

Grab a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle (I love using an Ateco 829!) or simply use a spoon if you prefer that rustic look. Pipe or spread that glorious cinnamon buttercream onto each cupcake generously!

Step 7: Top It Off

Finish off by adding any remaining apple filling on top of each frosted cupcake followed by sprinkling on that crispy crumble topping. If you’re not serving them immediately, wait on adding the crumble as it may soften when sitting on top of the buttercream.

And there you have it! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—but trust me; they won’t last long! Enjoy every bite of your delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking can be a delightful journey, and with these tips, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will turn out even more spectacular!

• Use a mix of apples: Different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide a balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the flavor of your filling.
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right heat, which helps achieve perfectly baked cupcakes.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely: Filling warm cupcakes with apple filling can cause it to melt or become runny. Cooling them ensures that the filling stays deliciously intact.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and mixed spice to your liking. Adding nutmeg or ginger can give your cupcakes a unique twist.
• Store wisely: Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days. This keeps them moist and fresh.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Dusting of icing sugar: A light sprinkle adds a touch of elegance while balancing sweetness.
• Cinnamon stick: Placing a cinnamon stick next to each cupcake gives a lovely aromatic touch and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves: A pop of green from mint leaves can elevate the presentation while adding freshness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess complements the warm spices in the cupcakes perfectly, making for a comforting dessert combination.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light yet rich, whipped coconut cream is dairy-free and matches beautifully with apple flavors while keeping it light.
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai will harmonize wonderfully with the flavors of apple crumble, creating a cozy pairing for afternoon tea.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing medley of fruits can provide a light contrast to the richness of the cupcakes, making it an ideal side for brunch or dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will surely impress family and friends. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a delightful treat any day.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for an extended freshness, though they may dry out slightly.

Freezing

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
• For a warm treat, pop them in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delightful cupcakes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use other fruits instead of apples for the filling in my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Pears or even berries can work beautifully as alternatives. Just ensure they are cooked down similarly to create a nice filling.

How can I make the buttercream for my Apple Crumble Cupcakes less sweet?

You can reduce the icing sugar slightly and add more cinnamon or even some cream cheese to balance the sweetness while enhancing flavor.

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes so special?

The combination of warm spiced apple filling, rich cinnamon buttercream, and crunchy crumble topping creates an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time for my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Yes, you can make the apple filling up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fill your cupcakes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes as much as I do! Their cozy flavors remind me of home baking, perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience with friends and family; I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Happy baking!