Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of warm apples, fragrant cinnamon, and the soft embrace of a cupcake. These Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting have quickly become a family favorite in my household. Every time I bake them, the aroma wafts through the house, drawing everyone in like a comforting hug. When the kids take their first bite, their eyes light up with delight as they taste the familiar flavors of apple pie—without the fuss of a traditional crust. It’s a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening at home. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill the Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

1. Cook Apples: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Simmer: Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the sugar creates a syrup (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Thicken if Needed: If the filling is too runny, mix the cornstarch with the water to form a slurry, and add it to the apple mixture. Stir until thickened.
4. Cool: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Fill the Cupcakes:

1. Core the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake (about halfway down).
2. Fill with Apple Filling: Fill each cupcake with a spoonful of the cooled apple pie filling.

Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Flavor the Frosting: Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then gradually add the heavy cream. Beat on high until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
4. Frost the Cupcakes: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a star tip and pipe it onto each cupcake.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Add Finishing Touches: Optionally, sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or additional cinnamon.
2. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy the delightful combination of spiced apple filling, soft cupcakes, and creamy cinnamon frosting!

These Apple Pie Cupcakes are not just visually appealing; they capture the essence of apple pie in a fun, portable form. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just an indulgent treat at home.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Serving Suggestions:
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet touch.

Additional Tips

1. Apple Selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a more complex flavor.
2. Make Ahead: You can make the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Frosting Variation: For a cream cheese frosting, replace half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
4. Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.
5. Garnish Ideas: Consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of oats on top of the frosting for added texture.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
• Different Fruits: Swap out apples for other fruits like pears or peaches for a seasonal twist.
• Spice it Up: Add nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for a warm spice flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Seasonal Treats: Perfect for fall festivals or Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Kid-Friendly: Great for school lunches or birthday parties.
• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled cupcakes for up to three months. Just thaw them before filling and frosting.
• Storage: Store filled and frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

• Yes, store-bought apple pie filling works well if you’re short on time.

1. How can I make these cupcakes healthier?

• Substitute applesauce for some of the butter and use less sugar.

1. Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

• Use a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

1. What’s the best way to frost cupcakes?

• Use a piping bag with a star tip for a decorative finish, or spread frosting with a spatula for a more rustic look.

1. Can I add nuts to the apple filling?

• Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the filling.

1. How do I know when my cupcakes are done?

• A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cupcakes are done baking.

1. What type of apples are best for baking?

• Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well when cooked.

1. Can I freeze the frosting?

• Yes, you can freeze frosting in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it before using.

1. How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?

• Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter.

1. What can I use instead of heavy cream in the frosting?
   • Milk or a dairy-free milk alternative can be used, but the frosting may not be as thick.

Conclusion

These Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful fusion of classic dessert flavors in a modern, bite-sized form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes will surely impress your family and friends. With the warm, spiced apple filling and creamy cinnamon frosting, every bite is a celebration of the comforting flavors of fall. So roll up your sleeves and get baking—your taste buds will thank you! 🍏🧁

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