Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the beloved flavors of apple pie into a fun and portable cupcake form. Perfect for fall gatherings, birthday parties, or any time you crave something sweet, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. With a tender cake base filled with spiced apple goodness and topped with fluffy whipped cream, they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy frosting makes every bite a treat.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in.
- Impressive Presentation: These cupcakes look as good as they taste, making them a standout at any dessert table.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different frostings or toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Apple Pie Cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cupcake tin
- Cupcake liners
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or whipping cream.
- Cupcake tin: Provides the perfect shape for each cupcake while ensuring even baking.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Cupcakes are perfectly spiced, tender cupcakes baked with apple pie filling and topped with stabilized whipped cream. They are reminiscent of a slice of apple pie but in convenient cupcake form!
For the Apple Filling
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, (cored, peeled and diced small)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
For the Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Stir well.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl using an electric mixer, beat room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
- Spoon in about 1 tablespoon of cooled apple filling on top of the batter.
- Cover with more batter until liners are about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add granulated sugar followed by heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes
Once cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread whipped cream topping generously on each cupcake.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Cupcakes!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful treat, perfect for any gathering or celebration. Their unique blend of flavors makes them versatile for various serving occasions.
For Family Gatherings
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve these cupcakes warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
- As a Snack: Offer them as a sweet snack option during family movie nights or casual get-togethers.
At a Party
- Dessert Table Display: Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand for an eye-catching display that invites guests to indulge.
- Mini Dessert Bites: Cut the cupcakes in half and serve them as mini bites for guests to enjoy alongside other treats.
During the Fall Season
- Pumpkin Spice Pairing: Pair with pumpkin spice lattes to enhance the autumn flavors in both drinks and desserts.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top the cupcakes with cinnamon-infused whipped cream to elevate their flavor profile.

How to Perfect Apple Pie Cupcakes
To achieve the best results with your Apple Pie Cupcakes, follow these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh Granny Smith apples for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
- Stabilize Your Whipped Cream: Use powdered sugar or cornstarch in your whipped cream to keep it from wilting and maintain its shape longer.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix your cupcake batter until just combined to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and helps maintain presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the spices in the cupcakes.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cupcakes for added sweetness and richness.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve a bowl of spiced pecans or walnuts as a crunchy contrast to the soft cupcakes.
- Coffee or Tea: Offer cups of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a warm beverage pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cupcakes while adding freshness.
- Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, which can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Apple Pie Cupcakes, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little can affect the taste and texture. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cupcakes to cool properly helps maintain their structure and flavor. Be patient before frosting.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Bring them to room temperature for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Apple Pie Cupcakes in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cupcakes for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes for 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place cupcakes in a covered pan on low heat, warming them gently while preventing drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Apple Pie Cupcakes:
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are great, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend will work well. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought filling saves time and works just as deliciously.
What is the best way to frost these cupcakes?
Using stabilized whipped cream gives the best results, keeping your frosting fluffy and intact longer.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience of a cupcake. They are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize these cupcakes with different spices or toppings, making them uniquely yours! Give this delightful recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of traditional apple pie flavors and the convenience of cupcakes, making them the perfect treat for fall gatherings and celebrations. Each cupcake features a tender cake base filled with spiced apple filling reminiscent of classic apple pie, topped off with a luscious whipped cream frosting. These portable desserts are not only delicious but also visually stunning, guaranteed to impress your guests. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether enjoyed at a cozy family dinner or displayed on a dessert table at parties, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and flour until softened.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl; in another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, add apple filling, then cover with more batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the whipped cream topping, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, then add heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Frost cooled cupcakes generously with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (92g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg