Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion, look no further than these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites; the combination of soft brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes, spiced apple filling, and creamy buttercream is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these cupcakes will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Plus, they are perfect for busy weeknights or special celebrations alike! Each bite is like a hug in cupcake form, making them a great treat for kids and adults. Trust me; once you try these Apple Crumble Cupcakes, they’ll become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Family-friendly: Kids will adore the sweet apple filling and creamy frosting; it’s a hit with all ages!
• Make ahead: These cupcakes can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of spices and sweetness creates an incredibly comforting dessert experience.
• Versatile presentation: Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, everyone will be impressed by their lovely appearance!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

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

Feel free to get creative with these Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They are quite flexible, allowing you to customize them based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for an extra crunch.
• Change up the fruit: Substitute apples with pears or even peaches for a different fruity twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blends instead of plain flour or self-raising flour.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom instead of mixed spice for varied flavors.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

To make the apple filling, start by peeling and coring the apples. Chop them into small chunks and add them to a pan over low heat. Mixing in light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice adds sweetness and warmth. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until soft. This step is key because it makes the apples tender and flavorful!

Step 2: Cool Down the Filling

Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and allow the apple mixture to cool completely. Cooling is essential so that it doesn’t melt your cupcakes when you fill them later!

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 180C Fan / 200C / 375F / Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, combine plain flour, light brown soft sugar, and cinnamon. Add in unsalted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. This crumbly texture gives that delightful crunch on top of your cupcakes!

Step 4: Bake the Crumble

Spread this mixture out onto your lined baking tray. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely; it should feel firmer once cooled down but will still be crunchy later.

Step 5: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

Now let’s make those delicious cupcakes! Preheat your oven again to 160C Fan / 180C / 350F / Gas Mark 4 while you line a cupcake tin with cases. Mix softened butter and light brown sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth – this process incorporates air for fluffy cupcakes!

Step 6: Add Eggs & Dry Ingredients

Whisk in large eggs one at a time until fully combined. Gently fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice afterward; this helps keep your batter light.

Step 7: Fill & Bake Your Cupcakes

Divide this lovely batter evenly among your cupcake cases. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and a skewer comes out clean from the center. Once baked, let them cool completely before moving on.

Step 8: Core & Fill Your Cupcakes

Using either a cupcake corer or knife, carefully make holes in each cupcake’s center – this is where all that tasty apple filling goes! Spoon it generously into each hole; don’t skip this step – it’s what makes these cupcakes so special!

Step 9: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In another bowl, beat softened butter on its own first before adding icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk gradually while mixing until perfectly smooth! If it’s too stiff after mixing? Just add more milk until you reach that dreamy consistency.

Step 10: Frost & Top Your Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part—frosting! Pipe on that glorious buttercream using your favorite nozzle or simply spread it on with a spoon if you prefer a more rustic look. Top each cupcake with leftover apple filling followed by sprinkling crumbles over everything—just wait if you’re not serving immediately as they may soften after contact!

And voilà! Your beautiful Apple Crumble Cupcakes are ready to impress everyone! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place; they’re best enjoyed within three days—if they last that long! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only provide the best flavor but also ensure the filling has the right texture. Opt for sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a deliciously balanced taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser cupcakes, which isn’t what we want for this airy treat!

• Let the apple filling cool completely: This prevents melting the buttercream when you fill the cupcakes. A cool filling will maintain the structure of your cupcakes and enhance their overall presentation.

• Pipe buttercream at room temperature: If your buttercream is too cold, it may be difficult to pipe smoothly. Allow it to come to room temperature before decorating for beautifully swirled tops.

• Add crumble just before serving: To keep that delightful crunch, sprinkle the crumble on top right before serving. This ensures it stays crispy and doesn’t absorb moisture from the buttercream.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Serving these Apple Crumble Cupcakes can be as creative as you like! Presenting them beautifully can enhance their appeal and make your dessert table pop.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of each cupcake adds a touch of elegance and reinforces the warm spice theme.
• Apple slices: Thinly sliced apples arranged artistically around or on top of the cupcakes provide a fresh look and hint at the delicious filling inside.
• Whipped coconut cream: For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top of each cupcake for a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the spiced flavors of the cupcakes, providing a refreshing contrast that everyone loves.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each cupcake adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple filling and crumble topping.
• Chai tea: Serving these cupcakes with a steaming cup of chai tea enhances their cozy vibes and provides a warm beverage option perfect for fall gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing side that cleanses the palate while complementing the flavors in your cupcakes.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes – they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance for gatherings or simply enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you anticipate leftovers, consider adding the crumble just before serving to maintain its crunch.

Freezing

• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Individually wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best taste, thaw within that time frame.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them briefly.
• If desired, warm up in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes to revive their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Apple Crumble Cupcakes that might help you out!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples for these cupcakes?

Yes! While this recipe features apples, you can easily substitute with pears or berries for a different twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure your filling isn’t too runny.

How should I store my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within three days. If you’re making them ahead of time, consider freezing them instead!

What can I do if my buttercream is too stiff?

If your buttercream is too stiff, simply add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Mixing well will help achieve that smooth texture.

Are Apple Crumble Cupcakes suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! These cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They’re a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and don’t hesitate to share these treats with loved ones. Happy baking!