Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of autumn with the joy of baking, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, cinnamon-infused cupcake filled with spiced apples and topped with luscious buttercream. It’s a perfect dessert for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a sweet surprise for a friend. Trust me—once you try these cupcakes, they will quickly become a favorite in your household!

These cupcakes are not only delicious but also super easy to make! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and offers a wonderful way to impress your loved ones. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making these Apple Crumble Cupcakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up these cupcakes without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cupcakes! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, making them great for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the apple filling or crumble ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples creates a comforting taste that warms the heart.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings—add nuts or different spices to make them your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or peaches to switch up the flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends in place of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
• Spice It Up: Add some nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an added layer of warmth.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and coring your apples. Chop them into small chunks and add them to a pan over low heat. Combine with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together gently. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until it’s soft. This step is so important because cooking the apples brings out their lovely sweetness and makes them tender.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

While your apples cool down, preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Line a baking tray with baking paper too! In a bowl, mix plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Add in the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until it looks like breadcrumbs—this will create that lovely crunchy topping we adore! Spread it out on your lined tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s time for those delicious cupcakes! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. In another bowl, combine softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Then add in your eggs one at a time while whisking well after each addition. Finally, gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice.

Divide this delightful mixture between your cupcake cases and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. A skewer inserted should come out clean—this means they’re perfectly baked! Once done, allow them to cool completely before moving on.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Grab a cupcake corer or knife to make holes in each cupcake’s center; this is where all that delicious apple filling will go! Fill each hole generously with your cooled apple mixture—trust me; this is what makes them so special!

Step 5: Make the Buttercream

To make that dreamy buttercream frosting, beat softened butter alone for several minutes until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk until smooth. Adjust milk as needed if it’s too stiff—you want it just right for piping!

Step 6: Frost Your Cupcakes

Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle to swirl on that gorgeous buttercream atop each cupcake. If you don’t have a piping bag handy, spreading it on with a spoon works just as well! Top each frosted cupcake with any remaining apple filling.

Step 7: Finish With Crumble

Lastly, sprinkle that irresistible crumble topping over each cupcake right before serving—unless you’re saving some for later since it might get softer when in contact with buttercream.

Now you’ve got yourself some delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place and be sure to indulge within three days. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Making these Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your cupcakes.
• Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the apple filling to cool completely before adding it to the cupcakes helps maintain the structure of your cupcakes. Warm filling can make them soggy.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so using precise measurements will yield consistent results. Invest in a kitchen scale if you don’t have one; it makes measuring dry ingredients much easier.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and mixed spice are classic choices, feel free to add your own touch! Nutmeg or cardamom can bring an exciting twist to your apple filling or buttercream.
• Store wisely: Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. This preserves their freshness, but avoid putting them in the fridge as it can dry them out.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for various occasions. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea, here’s how you can present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the buttercream adds a nice touch of flavor and enhances presentation.
• Chopped nuts: A handful of crushed walnuts or pecans on top can add crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple filling.
• Fresh mint leaves: A small mint leaf placed on each cupcake provides a pop of color and freshness, making your dessert look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple crumble cupcakes, creating a delightful contrast.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your cupcake adds richness and indulgence that will delight any sweet tooth.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free alternative, whipped coconut cream offers a light yet satisfying topping that complements the spices.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad on the side can brighten up your dessert table and provide a healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the cupcakes.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them for later, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume leftovers within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’ve added the crumble topping, consider adding it just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the cupcakes in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes.
• Add fresh buttercream if desired after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! While regular eating apples work great, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the buttercream for my Apple Crumble Cupcakes vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free milk. This will ensure your buttercream remains smooth and creamy without any animal-derived ingredients.

What is the best way to store Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, consume within three days.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! These cupcakes are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance and store them properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They not only taste fantastic but also fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes baking so special. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience or variations on this recipe—I’d love to hear from you! Happy baking!