Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful blend of the classic apple pie flavors wrapped up in a moist and fluffy cupcake. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the year, these cupcakes combine tender apples with warm spices for a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
For the Apple Filling:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the cupcake batter.
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Cupcake Liners:
- Spoon a small amount of batter into each cupcake liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Add a spoonful of the apple filling on top of the batter in each liner, then cover with more batter until the liners are about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Apple Varieties: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for the filling.
- Spice Mix: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Topping: These cupcakes can be topped with a cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend.
Q: How do I store these cupcakes? A: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these cupcakes? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make the apple filling ahead of time? A: Yes, the apple filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a wonderful twist on the traditional apple pie, offering all the comforting flavors in a convenient, single-serving form. The combination of moist cupcake and spiced apple filling makes these a hit for any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!
