Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the warmth of home baking to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a true labor of love. Imagine soft, brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes filled with a spiced apple mixture, topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they are sure to impress everyone at the table!

I love making these cupcakes because they not only taste fantastic but also fill my home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked apples and spices. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive dessert spread, these little delights never fail to bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, these cupcakes come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of flavors makes this treat a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake the cupcakes in advance and store them; they taste just as good the next day!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and spiced apple filling creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual get-togethers—these cupcakes fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes. You’ll find everything you need is likely already in your pantry!

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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added crunch.
• Change Up the Spice: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Try Different Frostings: Swap out the cinnamon buttercream for a vanilla or cream cheese frosting if you prefer.
• Make Mini Versions: Use a mini cupcake tray instead of standard size for bite-sized treats everyone will love!

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and coring your apples. Chop them into small chunks and add them to a pan over low heat along with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together gently. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until soft. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a luscious filling.

Step 2: Prepare 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 soft sugar, and cinnamon. Then add your butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture onto your lined tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden. This crunchy topping adds an irresistible texture!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s time for those delicious cupcakes! 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, cream together softened butter and light brown soft sugar until smooth using an electric mixer if you have one. Add in eggs one by one while whisking well after each addition. Gently fold in self-raising flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice afterward; this creates that fluffy texture we all adore.

Step 4: Assemble Your Treats

Divide your batter evenly between the cupcake cases and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown—the skewer test will tell you when they’re done! Let them cool completely before moving on to filling them up with that lovely apple mixture we made earlier.

Step 5: Make That Buttercream!

For your delightful buttercream frosting, beat softened butter on its own first until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar alongside cinnamon and enough milk until it’s smooth as silk! Pipe this heavenly mixture onto each cooled cupcake using your favorite nozzle or simply spread it on with a spoon.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Top each frosted cupcake with any remaining apple filling you have left over from step one. Finally, sprinkle over that crunchy crumble topping—but do this just before serving to keep it nice and crisp!

And there you have it—your very own batch of scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place; they’ll stay yummy for up to three days! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Ready to bake the best Apple Crumble Cupcakes ever? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly delicious!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples will give you a juicy and flavorful filling. Opt for your favorite variety that holds up well during cooking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool entirely before adding buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Make ahead of time: If you’re busy, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days, making assembly a breeze!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in both the apple filling and frosting according to your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a delightful twist!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, here’s how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dust: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds an aromatic touch that enhances flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cupcake and creamy frosting.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce elevates the sweetness and adds a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture complements the warm flavors of the cupcakes, providing a delightful contrast.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries or citrus fruits balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Coffee or tea: Serve with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a comforting pairing that enhances your dessert experience.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit can serve as a lighter side option, offering a nice balance after indulging in cupcakes.

Enjoy these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes, whether as an everyday treat or a special dessert! They’re sure to impress everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert throughout the week. You can create them in advance and store them easily, ensuring that your sweet tooth is always satisfied.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider refrigerating them; just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cupcakes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• If you’d like a warm cupcake, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cupcakes can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them properly, as mentioned above, and they’ll still taste fresh!

What should I do if my apple filling is too watery?

If your apple filling turns out too watery, you can add a bit more cornflour (cornstarch) while cooking the apples. This will help thicken it up and give it a nice consistency for your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Can I use other fruits in the filling for these cupcakes?

Definitely! While apples are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits such as pears or berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly for a unique flavor twist!

How can I make these Apple Crumble Cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Apple Crumble Cupcakes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They embody warmth and comfort, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I truly believe you’ll love how they turn out. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences—happy baking!