Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with the fun of baking, you’ll absolutely love these Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They are the perfect blend of moist brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes filled with a spiced apple mixture, topped off with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. These cupcakes are not just for special occasions; they are great for busy weeknights when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a bite (or two!).

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes so special is how they bring together the warmth of home-baked goodness with the joy of sharing. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a coffee morning, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cupcakes will surely put a smile on your face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats without stress.
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in each bite.
• Perfectly portable: These cupcakes are easy to take along to picnics or potlucks, making them an ideal dessert choice.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving to ensure freshness.
• Deliciously versatile: This recipe allows for plenty of variations, so you can customize it to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need:

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 Frosting

• 175 g Butter (softened, unsalted)
• 350 g Icing sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 2-3 tbsp Milk

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious cupcakes!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use different fruits: Try using pears or berries instead of apples for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking mix to cater to dietary needs.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for an extra 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. Mix in light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together well. Cooking the apples gently allows them to soften perfectly while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10-15 minutes until your apples are soft. Once cooked, remove from heat and let them cool completely. This cooling step is crucial because warm filling can make your cupcakes soggy later on.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, combine plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon. Then add in the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. This crumble will give your cupcakes that delightful crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Crumble

Spread your crumble mixture onto the lined tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. The crumble will firm up as it cools down, providing that perfect texture on top of your cupcakes.

Step 5: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

Now preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. In another bowl (or using an electric mixer), cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Adding air here creates fluffy cupcakes!

Step 6: Add Eggs & Dry Ingredients

Whisk in large eggs one at a time until fully combined. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes!

Step 7: Bake Your Cupcakes

Divide this luscious batter evenly among cupcake cases. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely before moving on.

Step 8: Fill Your Cupcakes

Use a cupcake corer or knife to create holes in each cupcake’s center—this is where we’ll add our delicious apple filling! Spoon in generously cooled apple filling into each hole.

Step 9: Make Your Buttercream

For that dreamy frosting, mix softened butter alone first for several minutes before adding icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, adjust by adding more milk gradually.

Step 10: Frost Your Cupcakes

Pipe or spread this lovely buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using your favorite nozzle—get creative! Top with any remaining apple filling followed by sprinkling on that crunchy crumble topping.

And there you have it! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place and enjoy within three days if you can resist! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Creating the perfect Apple Crumble Cupcakes is all about the little details, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your baking experience is a delicious success!

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only taste better but also provide a nice texture contrast with the soft cupcake. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your cupcakes light and fluffy, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, which is not what you want for this recipe.

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow your cupcakes to cool fully before adding the apple filling. This prevents the filling from melting into the sponge and ensures that each bite remains perfectly balanced.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile and make your cupcakes even more aromatic.

• Store Properly: For maximum freshness, store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), enjoy them within three days to savor their delightful taste.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also make for an appealing presentation! Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds an extra touch of warmth and hints at the flavors within.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over each cupcake gives them a sweet finish that complements the apple filling wonderfully.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft textures of the cupcake and filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside or on top of these cupcakes creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a lighter alternative, whipped coconut cream provides a dairy-free option that’s rich and delicious—perfect for balancing out the sweetness!
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a bright accompaniment that enhances the flavors in your cupcakes without overwhelming them.
• Tea or Coffee: Pair these cupcakes with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of these beverages complements the spiced flavors beautifully.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Apple Crumble Cupcakes in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not just delicious, but they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time for parties or simply to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you have leftover apple filling, keep it in a separate container in the fridge.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cupcakes to cool completely after baking.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw any frozen cupcakes in the fridge overnight before serving.
• For a warm treat, microwave each cupcake for about 10-15 seconds.
• Add fresh crumble topping before serving for that delightful crunch!

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common queries about Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

How do I store leftover Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within three days for optimal freshness and taste.

Can I use different apples for these cupcakes?

Yes! While regular eating apples work great, feel free to experiment with different varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for unique flavors.

Is there a vegan version of Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

You can definitely make a vegan version by substituting eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and using plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They combine the warmth of spiced apples with soft, fluffy cake and creamy frosting, making them truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!