Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple crumble with the fun of cupcakes, then you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a cherished recipe in my kitchen. They feature soft brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes filled with a spiced apple mixture, topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, these cupcakes will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

What makes these cupcakes special is not just their delicious taste but also their ease of preparation. You can whip them up on a busy weeknight or make them ahead for a special event. The combination of textures—from the soft cupcake to the crispy crumble—makes every bite a joy. Let’s dive into this lovely recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can master these cupcakes without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store in an airtight container; they taste great even after a few days.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and spiced apples creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes. Each component adds its own special touch, creating a delightful dessert everyone will love.

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 experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch in the crumble topping.
• Change the fruit: Substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity filling.
• Spice it up: Add some nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a deeper flavor profile.
• Use dairy-free options: Substitute butter with vegan spreads and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To start off, peel and core your apples before chopping them into small chunks. This allows the apples to cook evenly. In a pan over low heat, combine your apple chunks with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together well. Covering the pan helps steam the apples until they are tender—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once softened, set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

While your apples are cooling, let’s get that delicious crumble started! Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, mix together plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Adding cold butter is key here—use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture onto your lined tray and bake it for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. It will firm up as it cools.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s time for those delightful cupcakes! Preheat your oven again but this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Line your cupcake tin with cupcake cases so they’re ready for that scrumptious batter! In a large mixing bowl (or using an electric mixer), cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in your eggs one by one while whisking well. Next, gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice—this step ensures you don’t lose all that lovely air you’ve whipped into your batter!

Divide this mixture evenly among the cupcake cases. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and pass the skewer test—if it comes out clean from the center of one of those beauties, they’re done! Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once cooled down enough that you can handle them without burning yourself, take each cupcake and carefully make a hole in the center using either a cupcake corer or knife. Fill those holes generously with your spiced apple filling—it’s like finding treasure inside!

Step 5: Make The Buttercream

Now for that luscious buttercream! Mix softened butter on its own first until it’s creamy—this adds airiness to your frosting. Gradually add icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk; mix until smooth. If it seems too thick to pipe easily onto those cupcakes, just add another splash of milk!

Step 6: Decorate!

Time to show off those beautiful creations! Pipe or spoon on generous amounts of buttercream onto each cupcake using your favorite piping tip (I personally love using an Ateco 829 nozzle). Top each one with remaining apple filling before sprinkling over that crunchy crumble topping! Remember if you’re not serving immediately; wait on adding that crumble so it stays nice and crisp.

And there you have it—your stunning Apple Crumble Cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; they’re best within three days but good luck keeping them around that long! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, your Apple Crumble Cupcakes will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Choosing crisp, fresh apples ensures a vibrant flavor and texture in your filling. Older apples can become mushy and lose their sweetness.

• Don’t skip the cooling: Allowing the apple filling to cool completely before using it prevents the cupcakes from becoming soggy. This step helps maintain the perfect cupcake structure.

• Check for doneness: Instead of relying solely on baking times, use a skewer to check if your cupcakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the oven!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and mixed spice amounts according to your taste preferences. A little extra spice can add warmth and depth to your cupcakes.

• Store correctly: To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their moistness and flavor for up to three days.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully will make them even more inviting for you and your guests.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each cupcake adds a touch of sweetness and an appealing visual element that complements the apple filling beautifully.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the buttercream adds crunchiness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these cupcakes creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—perfect for a comforting dessert experience.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a light, fluffy addition that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the cupcakes.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cupcakes while adding freshness to your dessert table.

• Herbal tea: Serve these cupcakes with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, for a cozy afternoon treat that enhances their comforting flavors.

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

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat that you can enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes store beautifully without losing their flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
• If storing with crumble topping, add it just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Freezing

• You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Thaw at room temperature before adding the buttercream and toppings.

Reheating

• If desired, you can gently warm the cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating, as this may dry them out.
• Enjoy warm for a comforting dessert experience!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious treats, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the buttercream.

How do I know when my Apple Crumble Cupcakes are done baking?

Insert a skewer into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready!

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes special?

The combination of spiced apple filling, rich cinnamon buttercream, and crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful balance of flavors that is truly irresistible.

Can I use other fruits in these cupcakes?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries, but adjust the spices accordingly to complement the new flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Apple Crumble Cupcakes as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite. Happy baking!