Craving a delightful twist on classic cupcakes? Indulge in the fluffiest cinnamon cupcakes with a surprise inside—baked apples! These apple crumble cupcakes are a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and spice, filled with a luscious homemade apple filling and crowned with a decadent salted caramel cream cheese frosting. To add a satisfying crunch, they are generously dipped in a crunchy homemade apple crumble. With each bite, you’ll savor the comforting flavors reminiscent of a warm apple crisp, all in a convenient cupcake form.
As a seasoned food blogger, I love the creative process of building upon my existing recipes to craft new and irresistible treats. Every element of these apple crumble cupcakes—from the cinnamon apple base to the apple filling and crumble topping—draws inspiration from my past culinary creations. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this delightful recipe that seamlessly combines the best of fall flavors into a single, unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients
In this section, I will outline the key ingredients needed to create these delicious apple crumble cupcakes, each component contributing to the delightful flavors and textures that make these treats so special.
For the Cupcakes
- 175g Butter or baking spread, softened, unsalted
- 175g Light brown soft sugar
- 3 Large eggs
- 175g Self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Mixed spice
- 30g Melted butter
- 100g Sugar (or xylitol)
- 50g Brown sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 80ml Sunflower oil
- 160ml Apple juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
For the Apple Filling
- 2 Medium-sized regular eating apples
- 30g Light brown soft sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Mixed spice
- 1 tsp Cornflour (cornstarch)
- 10g Unsalted butter
- 8g Light brown soft sugar
- 17g Plain flour
For the Crumble Topping
- 18g Butter
- 18g Flour, plain white all-purpose
- 10g Sugar
- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
- 175g Butter or baking spread, softened, unsalted
- 175g Light brown soft sugar
- 3 Large eggs
- 175g Self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Mixed spice
Equipment Needed
I always make sure to have the right tools on hand to create these delicious apple crumble cupcakes. Here’s what you’ll need for a successful baking session:
Baking Equipment:
- 12-hole muffin/cupcake tin (approximately 75ml – 100ml capacity per cup)
- Handheld electric mixer or freestanding mixer with the paddle attachment
- Piping bag and large piping nozzle (or a ziplock bag for piping)
- Baking tray lined with baking paper
- Cupcake cases
- Ateco 826 piping tip for frosting
- Piping bag for frosting
- Ateco 826 piping tip
- Large open star nozzle for frosting
- Ateco 826 piping tip for buttercream frosting
Ensure you have all these essential tools ready before starting the baking process for these delightful apple crumble cupcakes.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Apple Filling
To start, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add chopped apples, sugar, and cinnamon, ensuring thorough coating of the apple pieces. Cover the saucepan and stew the apples gently until soft yet not mushy. Set aside to cool.
Making the Cupcake Batter
Using an electric mixer, combine butter with dry ingredients, then gradually add wet ingredients to achieve a smooth batter. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases for baking.
Crafting the Crumble Topping
Begin by mixing all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Incorporate unsalted butter by pressing it into the dry ingredients until a crumble forms. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until golden-brown, stirring every few minutes for even baking.
Baking the Cupcakes
To bring these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes to life, follow these straightforward steps for baking the perfect batch. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature outlined in the recipe and have your cupcake liners and muffin tin at the ready.
Step 1: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Carefully fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full with the luscious apple-infused batter. The aromatic scent of cinnamon and apples will begin to fill your kitchen, promising a delightful treat.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and let the cupcakes bake to perfection. The gentle heat will work its magic, transforming the batter into moist, flavorful cupcakes with a hint of apple sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
After the recommended baking time, perform the doneness test by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed. Avoid overbaking to maintain that perfect, moist texture.
Step 4: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, unleash your creativity and decorate with the delicious salted caramel cream cheese frosting and a generous sprinkle of the crunchy apple crumble topping.
Step 5: Indulge and Enjoy
Now comes the best part – indulging in your homemade Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Take a bite and savor the harmonious blend of spiced apples, creamy frosting, and buttery crumble. These cupcakes are sure to be a hit with family and friends, perfect for any occasion or as a cozy treat on a wintery day.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create a batch of Apple Crumble Cupcakes that not only look inviting but also deliver a burst of comforting flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Assembling the Cupcakes
After all the components have been prepared and cooled down, it’s time to bring together these delightful apple crumble cupcakes. Follow the steps below to assemble the cupcakes seamlessly.
Adding the Apple Filling
- Use a spoon to cut out the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chilled apple pie filling into the center of each cupcake, ensuring a flavorful surprise in every bite.
- Fill a disposable piping bag with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and pipe a swirl on top of each cupcake.
- Dip the frosted cupcakes in the prepared crumble topping, ensuring they’re generously covered for that perfect texture contrast.
- Drizzle some extra salted caramel on each cupcake for that extra indulgent touch and garnish with a slice of fresh apple.
- Your apple crumble cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed, offering a blend of spiced apples, creamy frosting, and crunchy crumble in every bite.
Customization Options
Gluten-Free Alternatives
For a gluten-free version of these apple crumble cupcakes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients used, including the baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free certified. By making this simple modification, you can enjoy these delicious cupcakes without the gluten.
Vegan Substitutes
To make these apple crumble cupcakes vegan-friendly, you can make a few adjustments. Replace the egg in the cupcake batter with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Ensure that the butter used in the crumble and frosting is plant-based, and opt for a dairy-free alternative for the milk in the cupcake batter. By incorporating these vegan substitutes, you can delight in these mouthwatering treats while staying true to your dietary preferences.
Storage and Serving
How to Store
After making these delicious apple crumble cupcakes, it’s essential to know how to store them properly to maintain their freshness. You can store the assembled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate them. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. Remember to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these apple crumble cupcakes, there are a few ways to enhance the experience. You can serve them as a delightful dessert for family gatherings, birthdays, or special occasions. To elevate the presentation, garnish each cupcake with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk for a complete treat. These cupcakes are sure to impress your guests with their delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Creating these apple crumble cupcakes has been a delightful journey of culinary creativity. The fusion of flavors and textures in this recipe offers a unique twist on a classic dessert. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily craft these delicious treats in your own kitchen. The versatility of this recipe, with options for gluten-free and vegan adaptations, ensures that everyone can indulge in these flavorful cupcakes. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these apple crumble cupcakes are sure to impress with their harmonious blend of spiced apples, creamy frosting, and buttery crumble topping. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these delectable cupcakes with your loved ones.