Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of fall with the joy of a cupcake, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! With their moist brown sugar and cinnamon base, spiced apple filling, and fluffy cinnamon buttercream, they bring warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or simply indulging on a busy weeknight, these cupcakes are sure to please.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy crumble topping makes each bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, they’re simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to wow your friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cupcakes without stress.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a good cupcake! These treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for any occasion: From birthday parties to cozy family dinners, these cupcakes fit right in at any gathering.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to bake!
• Deliciously flavorful: The blend of spices mixed with warm apple filling will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need for this scrumptious dessert!

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! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to customize your cupcakes, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture and flavor of your cupcakes!
• Mix in raisins: A handful of raisins in the apple filling adds extra sweetness and chewiness.
• Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a twist on classic flavors.
• Try other fruits: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different fruity experience.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To start off our delicious journey, peel and core your apples before chopping them into small chunks. Adding them to a low-heat pan along with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice creates a lovely filling that will ooze warmth. Stir it all together and cover with a lid—this helps the apples soften beautifully over 10-15 minutes. Once they’re tender, remove from heat and let them cool completely; this step ensures your filling doesn’t make your cupcakes soggy.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

Next up is the crumble! Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 while you line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, mix plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon together. When you add butter, use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs—this gives us that lovely crunchy topping we adore! Spread it out 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 scrumptious cupcakes! Preheat your oven once again but this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Line your cupcake tin with cases—a fun part where you can choose colors! In another bowl (or using an electric mixer), cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add in large eggs one by one while whisking well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with our warm spices—cinnamon and mixed spice—to keep things flavorful. Divide this batter into your cases and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown!

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely before making holes in their centers using either a cupcake corer or knife. Fill those holes generously with your previously made apple filling—this is where all that deliciousness comes through! For our fluffy buttercream frosting, mix softened butter alone first before adding icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk until you’ve got that dreamy smooth consistency.

Step 5: Decorate!

Pipe that heavenly buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle—or simply spread it on with a spoon if you prefer! Top each one off with more apple filling followed by sprinkling that lovely crumble over everything. Just remember if you’re not serving immediately—putting crumble on later keeps it nice and crunchy!

And there you have it—your very own batch of delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes ready to be enjoyed! Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days—if there are any left!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking is a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will turn out even better!

• Use Fresh Apples: Selecting fresh, firm apples enhances the flavor and texture of your filling, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough cupcakes.

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allowing the cupcakes to cool fully prevents the apple filling from melting the cupcake structure, so you get perfect little surprises in every bite.

• Make Ahead of Time: You can prepare the crumble and apple filling a day in advance. This not only saves time but allows flavors to meld beautifully.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add an extra depth to your cupcakes!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not only delightful to eat but also visually appealing. Here are some wonderful ways to present them for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Dust: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds a lovely touch and enhances that warm spice flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and complement the flavors in the cupcakes beautifully.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top can elevate your cupcakes into a decadent dessert that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these spiced cupcakes, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy finish that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brightens up the plate and balances the richness of the cupcakes with its natural sweetness.
• Tea or Coffee: Serving these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their cozy feel, making for a perfect afternoon treat.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to wow your friends and family with your delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for parties or busy weeknights. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them to extend freshness, but consume within a week.
• For best texture, sprinkle the crumble just before serving if storing.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cupcakes in a single layer on a baking tray until solid.
• Once firm, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw cupcakes at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual cupcakes for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through (be careful not to overheat).

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I use other fruits in Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears or berries for different flavors while keeping the same spiced filling method.

How do I make the frosting for Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

The frosting is easy! Simply whip together softened butter with icing sugar and cinnamon, adding a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long do Apple Crumble Cupcakes last?

These cupcakes will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, but they can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.

Is it necessary to use butter in the recipe?

While butter adds flavor and richness, you can substitute it with margarine or a dairy-free spread if preferred.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are truly special with their combination of fragrant spices and sweet apple goodness. I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I did! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cupcakes are bound to bring smiles. Happy baking!