Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of autumn with the lightness of cupcakes, then you’ve landed in the right place! These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a personal favorite of mine. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy afternoons with friends, or simply when you need a little comfort food to brighten your day. The combination of spiced apple filling, creamy cinnamon buttercream, and crunchy crumble topping makes these cupcakes an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

What I adore about this recipe is how each bite brings back warm memories of baking in the kitchen with loved ones. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! So roll up your sleeves and let’s create something special together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Comforting: The warm spices and tender apples will remind you of homemade pie in cupcake form.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sweet treats, making them ideal for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble in advance, saving time on busy days.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or swap out spices to suit your taste!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple weekday dessert, these cupcakes fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are made with simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to whip up 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 Cupcake Batter

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to change things up:

• Add Nuts: Include chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumble for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a fruity twist.
• Try Other Spices: Experiment with cardamom or nutmeg for unique flavor profiles.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.

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 place them in a pan over low heat. Add the light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together well! This step is crucial because cooking the apples allows their natural sweetness to shine through while making them tender.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Cover your pan with a lid and let those apples cook gently for about 10-15 minutes until they soften up beautifully. Once they’re cooked down, remove from heat and allow them to cool completely. This cooling step is important so they don’t melt your cupcakes later!

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, combine plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon. Rub in unsalted butter using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs—this creates that lovely crunchy texture we all love!

Step 4: Bake the Crumble

Spread your crumble mixture onto a lined baking tray and bake it for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it; it will firm up more as it cools! This step adds that delightful crunch on top of our cupcakes.

Step 5: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Next up, preheat your oven again but this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Line your cupcake tin with cases while you mix together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth—an electric mixer works wonders here!

Step 6: Add Eggs & Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to whisk in those eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice; this is where all those lovely flavors come together!

Step 7: Bake Your Cupcakes

Divide your batter evenly among the cupcake cases. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and pass the skewer test—when inserted into the center, it should come out clean! Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Core & Fill Your Cupcakes

Using a cupcake corer or knife, make a hole in each cooled cupcake’s center. Fill those holes generously with your spiced apple filling—it’s like hiding little treasures inside!

Step 9: Make the Buttercream Frosting

For that luscious frosting, beat softened butter alone first until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk until smooth—adjust milk if needed for desired consistency!

Step 10: Pipe & Top Your Cupcakes

With your buttercream ready, pipe it onto each cupcake using a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle—or simply spread it on with a spoon if you prefer! Top each one off with more apple filling followed by sprinkling over that crunchy crumble.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place but trust me—they won’t last long! Indulge within three days for best results.

Enjoy making—and eating—these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Making these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your baking game!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This will give your apple filling a lovely balance of flavors, ensuring it’s not too sweet.
• Cool the Filling Completely: Allowing the apple filling to cool completely before adding it to the cupcakes prevents it from melting the sponge. A well-cooled filling also intensifies the flavors.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes, so keep it gentle for that light, fluffy texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature helps create an even batter. This results in better aeration while mixing, leading to fluffier cupcakes.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your crumble topping! Adding oats or nuts can provide extra texture and flavor, making your cupcakes even more delightful.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are not just delicious; they also make for a stunning presentation at any gathering. Here are some fun ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.
• Cinnamon Stick: For a rustic touch, place a cinnamon stick on top of each cupcake. It brings out the cinnamon flavor and makes for a charming decoration.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spiced flavors of the cupcakes beautifully, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some warm caramel sauce over the top adds an indulgent sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fresh fruit salad brings balance to the rich flavors of the cupcakes. Use seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for brightness.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a lighter option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s dairy-free and offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, 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! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week, making these cupcakes in advance is a great idea.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Keep them in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• They can last up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cupcakes, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
• Place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture gummy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Apple Crumble Cupcakes that might help you in your baking journey!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples for Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with fruits like pears or berries. Just adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of the fruit.

How do I make sure my Apple Crumble Cupcakes stay moist?

To ensure they remain moist, avoid overbaking them and store them properly. The apple filling also adds moisture, so don’t skimp on that!

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes special?

The combination of warm spiced apples, fluffy cupcakes, and crunchy crumble creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that’s hard to resist!

Can I make the buttercream ahead of time for the Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Yes! You can prepare the buttercream in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick mix before piping.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They are not only a treat for your taste buds but also bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing these scrumptious delights with friends and family. Happy baking!