Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of fall with a fun twist, you’ve come to the right place. These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are more than just your average dessert; they’re a celebration of sweetness and warmth in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even just to brighten up a busy weeknight, these cupcakes have something for everyone!

Imagine sinking your teeth into fluffy brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes filled with spiced apple goodness, all topped off with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without stress.
• Family Favorite: The flavors of apple and cinnamon are universally loved, making them perfect for all ages.
• Make Ahead: These cupcakes store well, so you can bake them ahead of time for special occasions or busy weeks.
• Deliciously Versatile: Customize the toppings or add different fillings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create 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

• 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 mix it up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for an extra crunch.
• Use Other Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different fruity flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To start off this lovely creation, peel and core your apples before chopping them into small chunks. Cooking them down with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious filling. Stir everything together over low heat until they soften—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re tender and fragrant, remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

While your apples cool down, it’s time to whip up that scrumptious crumble. Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Rub in unsalted butter until it resembles breadcrumbs—this step is key as it gives the crumble that wonderful texture. Spread it on your lined tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now let’s move on to those delightful cupcakes! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. Cream together softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while whisking well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice until combined. Divide this lovely batter among the cupcake cases and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are completely cool—this is important to prevent melting buttercream!—use a cupcake corer or knife to create a small hole in each center. Fill these holes generously with your prepared apple filling—it’s like adding a hidden treasure inside!

Step 5: Make the Buttercream

For that luscious topping, beat softened butter on its own first until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk while mixing until smooth—you want it velvety! If it feels too stiff, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Pipe that dreamy buttercream onto each cupcake using your favorite nozzle or simply spread it on with a spoon if you prefer. Top off each one with any remaining apple filling before sprinkling that crunchy crumble over everything—this adds such an amazing texture!

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

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, firm apples not only enhance the flavor but also provide the perfect texture for your filling. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
• Cool the apple filling completely: Allowing the apple filling to cool before adding it to the cupcakes prevents the sponge from getting soggy and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.
• Don’t overmix your batter: Gently folding in the flour helps keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so mix just until combined.
• Bake in batches if necessary: If you have two cupcake trays, use them! Baking in batches can help maintain an even temperature in your oven, ensuring all cupcakes bake uniformly.
• Store correctly: To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their moistness while preventing them from drying out.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for various occasions and can be presented in delightful ways that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch and enhances the warm spices in the cupcake.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce not only looks beautiful but also adds a sweet richness that complements the apple filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cupcakes, creating a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream offers a dairy-free option that adds a rich, creamy element without overpowering the flavors.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cupcakes and provide a colorful, vibrant addition to your dessert table.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cupcakes alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere—perfect for afternoon gatherings or dessert after dinner.

Enjoy crafting these delicious treats, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for a delightful treat throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer bag after they have cooled completely.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure the buttercream is not on them before freezing to avoid texture changes.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm treat, you can microwave individual cupcakes for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for similar results.

How do I store leftover Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if it’s particularly warm.

Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Freeze the cupcakes without frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving!

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes special?

The combination of spiced apples, rich buttercream, and crunchy crumble makes these cupcakes a unique dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

How long does it take to make Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

The total time is about 95 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s well worth the effort for such a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. The blend of flavors and textures will surely bring joy to your taste buds. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!