Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with the joy of baking, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes filled with warm spiced apples and topped with luscious cinnamon buttercream. It’s like having an apple crumble in cupcake form! Perfect for family gatherings, a cozy afternoon tea, or even as a sweet surprise for your loved ones.

These cupcakes are not only scrumptious but also fun to make. They bring everyone together in the kitchen, making memories while you bake. The combination of flavors makes them a favorite, and I promise they will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll be whisking these cupcakes up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love both helping to bake and enjoying these delicious cupcakes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an ordinary day at home, these cupcakes are sure to please.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble ahead of time for even easier assembly later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything you need to create this delightful 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 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 variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch in both the filling and topping.
• Change the Spice: Swap out mixed spice for your favorite blend like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor twist.
• Use Different Fruits: Try using pears or berries instead of apples for a unique fruity filling.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To start off, peel and core those lovely apples before chopping them into small chunks. Add them to a pan on low heat along with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together; this step infuses the apples with flavor as they cook down into a soft filling.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Cover your pan with a lid and allow those apples to cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender. This gentle cooking process allows all those spices to meld beautifully, resulting in sweet and fragrant apples that will make your cupcakes truly special.

Step 3: Cool Down

Once cooked, remove from heat and let the apple filling cool completely. This is crucial because hot filling could melt your cupcake structure!

Step 4: 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, mix plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Adding butter now means you’ll be creating that delightful crunchy topping!

Step 5: Create Breadcrumbs

Using your fingers or a fork, rub the butter into your dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture on your lined baking tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden. Keeping an eye on it is key; we want it firm but not burnt!

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Now for our star of the show! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line your cupcake tin with cases. In a mixing bowl (an electric mixer works wonders here), blend softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth.

Step 7: Add Eggs

Whisk in those eggs one by one until well combined. This helps create that lovely fluffy texture we all adore in cupcakes.

Step 8: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice. Be careful not to over-mix; we want them light and airy!

Step 9: Fill Your Cases

Divide this delicious batter between your cupcake cases—aiming for about two-thirds full so they have room to rise beautifully.

Step 10: Bake & Cool

Bake those beauties for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and when tested with a skewer it comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 11: Core & Fill

Once cooled down, use either a cupcake corer or knife to create holes in each cupcake center. Fill those holes generously with your delicious apple filling!

Step 12: Make Buttercream Frosting

For frosting perfection, mix softened butter on its own first until creamy before adding icing sugar, cinnamon and milk. Blend until smooth—adding more milk if necessary if it’s too thick.

Step 13: Frost Your Cupcakes

Pipe that luscious cinnamon buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using your favorite nozzle or spread it on generously with a spoon; either way is heavenly!

Step 14: Top It Off

Finish by adding more apple filling atop each frosted cupcake followed by sprinkling over that crunchy crumble topping—just wait if you aren’t serving immediately; it can get softer when placed atop frosting later.

Final Steps

Store any leftovers in an airtight container kept cool; though I doubt they’ll last long—these treats are simply irresistible! Enjoy within three days if any make it that far!

Now go ahead and enjoy every bite of these Apple Crumble Cupcakes—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for medium-sized, sweet eating apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness will balance beautifully with the spices in your cupcakes.

• Don’t rush the cooling process: Allowing your apple filling to cool completely before filling your cupcakes ensures that the warm filling doesn’t melt your buttercream, keeping it fluffy and perfectly piped.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can often vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that yours is baking at the right temperature for even cooking.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter cupcake texture.

• Store wisely: If you’re preparing these cupcakes ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness. Enjoy them within three days for optimal taste!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some presentation ideas to make them shine.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds an aromatic touch that complements the flavors nicely.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the crumble topping can enhance sweetness and add a lovely visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkling of chopped walnuts or pecans not only adds crunch but also introduces another layer of flavor that pairs well with apples.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple flavors, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cupcakes—perfect for a light contrast!
• Tea or coffee: Serving these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their cozy vibe and makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Yogurt parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruits serves as a great side dish that complements the sweetness while adding nutritional value.

Enjoy serving your Apple Crumble Cupcakes to family and friends—or savor them all by yourself! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, as they can be made in advance and stored easily. Whether for a family gathering or a sweet treat throughout the week, you’ll love having these delicious cupcakes on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’ve added the crumble topping, it may become soft over time, so consider adding it just before serving.

Freezing

• These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months if stored in an airtight container.
• It’s best to freeze them without the buttercream and crumble topping to maintain their texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• To reheat, place cupcakes in a microwave-safe dish.
• Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Enjoy immediately after reheating for the best taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cupcakes in advance and store them. Just remember to keep the crumble topping separate until you’re ready to serve.

What is the best way to store Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Store your Apple Crumble Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They should be eaten within three days for optimal freshness.

Can I use different fruits for these cupcakes?

Yes! While this recipe features apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries for a delightful twist.

How can I ensure my buttercream is fluffy?

Mix your butter well before adding icing sugar and milk, ensuring it’s light and airy. Using an electric mixer will give you the best results!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They are not only a delightful dessert but also a comforting treat that brings warmth to any occasion. Remember, baking is all about love and sharing—so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for friends or family. Enjoy every bite!