Name: Delicious Apple Pie Cupcakes to Brighten Your Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 0.5 cups Brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking powder; 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoons Salt; 0.5 cups Melted butter; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 0.5 cups Whole milk (or almond milk); 1 cup Finely chopped apples (Preferably Granny Smith); 8 oz Cream cheese (Softened); 2 cups Powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Optional)

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“Are you ready to experience a delightful twist on a classic dessert? These Apple Pie Cupcakes are not only a fun way to enjoy the beloved flavors of homemade apple pie, but they also bring the joy of baking into your kitchen in just 35 minutes. Perfect for when you're craving something sweet but want to avoid the typical fast food lure, these cupcakes offer a comforting taste of autumn in every bite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any gathering or family dinner. Plus, their fluffy cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible finishing touch. What will you pair them with—caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream?”

Why Try These Apple Pie Cupcakes?

Unique Twist: Experience the beloved apple pie in a portable, cupcake format that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.

Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cupcakes ready in no time—perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings!

Irresistible Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is fluffy and rich, adding a wonderful complement to the spiced apple flavors—an instant hit for both kids and adults alike!

Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a standalone treat or dress them up with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Fall Flavor: Infused with cinnamon and fresh apples, these cupcakes capture the essence of autumn, making them ideal for any seasonal gathering.

For more scrumptious ideas, don’t forget to check out our guide on the best side dishes for apple pie cupcakes.

Apple Pie Cupcake Ingredients

• Get ready to bake a sweet dream!

For the Batter

All-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cupcakes, giving them structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the spices and brings moisture to the cupcakes.
Brown sugar – Provides depth of flavor and a touch of chewiness that mimics a traditional apple pie.
Baking powder – This leavening agent ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully in the oven.
Ground cinnamon – Infuses each bite with a warming spice that evokes the taste of classic apple pie.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavors, making the sweetness pop even more.
Melted butter – Offers richness and a lovely buttery flavor that complements the apples.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture to the batter.
Vanilla extract – A must for a warm and inviting aroma, enhancing all the flavors in your cupcakes.
Whole milk (or almond milk) – Provides added moisture for a tender cupcake; almond milk is a great dairy-free substitute.
Finely chopped apples – The star ingredient that brings freshness and natural sweetness to your cupcakes.

For the Frosting

Cream cheese – Creates a rich, tangy frosting that beautifully contrasts the sweet cupcake.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Optional: vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile of the frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.

These delightful Apple Pie Cupcakes are sure to brighten your day, topped off perfectly with that irresistible cream cheese frosting! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as you bake!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Pie Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking your Apple Pie Cupcakes to a golden perfection. While the oven warms up, take a moment to line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring you’re ready for that delightful batter.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture forms the flavorful base of your cupcakes, so ensure it’s well-combined before moving on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, combine ½ cup of melted butter with the sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this step—aim for about 2-3 minutes of mixing. This creaming process adds air into the mixture, creating a tender texture for your Apple Pie Cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter mixture, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. The eggs help to bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moistness of your cupcakes, enhancing their light and airy quality.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually mix in the dry ingredient blend from Step 2 and ½ cup of whole milk (or almond milk). Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as a lumpy batter is ideal for light and fluffy Apple Pie Cupcakes. The batter should look thick but smooth and ready for the apples.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples into the batter. This step ensures that the fresh apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Their sweetness and moisture will shine through in every bite, adding to the overall deliciousness of your cupcakes.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully while baking. With your prepared muffin tin filled, you're now set to place it in the oven.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Apple Pie Cupcakes in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Keep an eye on them towards the 18-minute mark for that perfect bake!

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by whipping together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth. If you’d like, add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor kick. This frosting will be the perfect creamy complement to your spiced cupcakes.

Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, generously frost each one with the smooth cream cheese frosting you prepared in the previous step. This indulgent layer adds a sweet touch to your deliciously spiced Apple Pie Cupcakes, making them irresistibly inviting for your family and friends.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie Cupcakes

Choose Fresh Apples: Always opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the cupcakes beautifully.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes—nobody wants that!
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing, ensuring a fluffy and tender cupcake.
Cool Before Frosting: Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting them with cream cheese—this prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra flavor dimension in your Apple Pie Cupcakes. It can elevate the taste to a whole new level!

Apple Pie Cupcake Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delightful cupcakes and make them your own!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that still tastes amazing.
Autumn Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of allspice to amplify the warm, cozy flavors of fall.
Apple Cider: Incorporate a splash of apple cider into your batter for an extra layer of apple goodness and a hint of tartness.
Caramel Swirl: Fold in some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the batter for gooey pockets of sweetness that will have everyone asking for more.

Imagine biting into a soft cupcake with rich caramel and fresh apple flavors mingling together—pure bliss!

Nuts & Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
Maple Frosting: Drizzle a layer of maple frosting instead of cream cheese to offer a unique twist that enhances the autumn theme even further.

Pair these treats with a warm cup of coffee or tea—what a delightful combination!

For more delicious ideas, don’t miss our guide on the best side dishes for apple pie cupcakes or explore our tips for how to store and freeze apple pie cupcakes to keep your treats fresh and irresistible!

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Pie Cupcakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cupcake batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply mix all your wet and dry ingredients together as instructed, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent any drying out or odor absorption. For added convenience, you can also chop the apples in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just spoon the chilled batter into your muffin tins and pop them in the oven for a warm, fresh treat anytime. You’ll have delightful cupcakes that are just as delicious and comforting, with minimal effort required!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cupcakes

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted Apple Pie Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid humidity to keep them fresh.

Fridge: If frosted, keep the cupcakes covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure they are in a sealed container to prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm cupcake. For a crispy top, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes!

What to Serve with Apple Pie Cupcakes

Indulging in warm, spiced Apple Pie Cupcakes is just the beginning of your delicious adventure—let's elevate your dessert experience!

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for an indulgent sweet contrast that perfectly enhances the flavors of the cupcakes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth complement to the warm desserts, making for an unforgettable pairing.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a texture contrast while capturing the essence of nostalgia, reminiscent of a classic pie topping.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea echo the cinnamon notes in the cupcakes, creating a comforting, cozy experience.
Coffee: A bold cup of coffee pairs well with sweet treats, balancing out the indulgence and enhancing your cupcake's flavors.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to encapsulate that autumn vibe, making it feel like a cozy celebration with every bite.
Cream Cheese Brownies: For a rich dessert duo, try pairing with fudgy cream cheese brownies—a decadent way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness and color, brightening the plate and complementing the cupcake’s warmth.
Pecan Pie Bars: An extra layer of indulgence, the nutty sweetness from pecan pie bars mirrors the apple flavors beautifully, creating blissful bites.

Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe FAQs

What type of apples are best for Apple Pie Cupcakes?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well during baking and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.

How should I store Apple Pie Cupcakes?
For unfrosted cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve already added the cream cheese frosting, keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days to retain their scrumptious taste without the frosting drying out.

Can I freeze Apple Pie Cupcakes?
Yes, you can! To freeze unfrosted Apple Pie Cupcakes, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.

What should I do if my cupcakes are dense or tough?
Very! If your cupcakes turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When you're combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Alternatively, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice. For the cream cheese frosting, look for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep it indulgent and dairy-free, tailored for everyone in your household.

Is it safe for pets to eat the ingredients in Apple Pie Cupcakes?
No, it’s important to avoid giving your pets any cupcakes containing ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and certain spices like cinnamon, which can be harmful in large quantities. Always be sure to keep your delicious baking creations away from your furry friends!