Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that wraps you in warmth and comfort, these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just the ticket! They combine the cozy flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon with a luscious apple filling, topped off with fluffy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles all around. I love how they capture the essence of autumn, making them perfect for any occasion.

Baking these cupcakes is not just about enjoying a delicious dessert—it’s also about creating memories. You can involve your kids in the kitchen or whip them up for friends at your next get-together. Trust me, once you taste these cupcakes, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to follow: The steps are simple, making it easy even for beginner bakers to create something special.
• Family-friendly: With flavors that everyone loves, these cupcakes are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples makes these cupcakes an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand. Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this delicious 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 quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste or what you have in your pantry. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch to both the frosting and the crumble.
• Change the fruit: Try using pears instead of apples for a different flavor profile!
• Swap the spices: If you’re not a fan of mixed spice, feel free to use just cinnamon or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free self-raising flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To make the apple filling, start by peeling and coring your apples; then chop them into small chunks. This step is crucial as smaller pieces cook evenly and absorb all those lovely spices. In a pan over low heat, combine the apple chunks with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together until well coated. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until soft. Once done, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crumble

Next up is our delightful crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, whisk together plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon. Add in unsalted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. This is where we get that nice crumbly texture! Spread this mixture out onto your lined tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool; it will firm up as it does!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s cupcake time! Preheat your oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 and line your cupcake tin with cupcake cases. In a mixing bowl (an electric mixer works best here), beat together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth—this adds air into our batter for fluffy cupcakes! Add in large eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice until just combined. Divide this mixture between your cupcake cases; they should be about two-thirds full.

Step 4: Fill with Apple Goodness

Place those filled cupcake cases in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean—this means they’re perfectly baked! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, use either a cupcake corer or knife to make holes in each cake’s center; this is where we’ll add our luscious apple filling!

Step 5: Whip Up Some Buttercream

For our creamy topping, beat softened butter by itself in another bowl until smooth—this helps create a lovely fluffy texture for our buttercream! Gradually mix in icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk until smooth. If it’s too stiff for piping (which can happen sometimes), just add an extra splash of milk.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part! Pipe or spread that beautiful buttercream onto each cupcake using your favorite nozzle or simply with a spoon if you prefer—it’s all about personal touch here! Top each cupcake with some reserved apple filling followed by sprinkling that crunchy crumble on top—yum!

And there you have it—your very own batch of warm, spiced Apple Crumble Cupcakes ready to impress friends and family. These treats can be stored in an airtight container for three days but trust me; they won’t last long! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you’re preparing something as scrumptious as Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Choose Fresh Apples: Using firm, fresh apples will not only enhance the flavor but also ensure your filling has the right texture. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding the apple filling. This helps prevent the buttercream from melting and maintains the structure of your cupcakes.

• Make Extra Crumble Topping: If you love that crunchy texture, doubling the crumble recipe is a great idea! It adds more deliciousness and can be stored for future bakes.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients, leading to a fluffier cupcake.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be served in various ways to impress your guests or treat yourself! Their lovely presentation makes them perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a beautiful touch while enhancing the warm flavors of the cupcakes.
• Toasted Nuts: Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple filling wonderfully.
• Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top creates an indulgent finish that elevates these cupcakes to dessert perfection.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, providing a lovely contrast in temperature and texture.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. Its lightness complements the richness of the buttercream without overwhelming it.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a bright, tangy contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Herbal Tea: Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chai or spiced apple tea, which enhances their cozy flavors and creates a comforting experience.

Now that you’re equipped with pro tips and serving ideas, it’s time to indulge in these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Enjoy every bite—happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment, making them an ideal treat for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container.
• Keep them in a cool place to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cupcakes to cool completely after baking.
• Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• If you’d like a warm cupcake, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
• Place the cupcake on a baking tray and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving as it may alter their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce to create a vegan version.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor!

How long do Apple Crumble Cupcakes last?

When stored properly, these cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before storing.

What should I serve with Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla plant-based ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes as much as I do! They not only bring warmth and comfort but also offer a deliciously sweet way to celebrate any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!