Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of autumn with the fun of baking, then these Apple Crumble Cupcakes are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, sweet cupcake filled with spiced apples, topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream and finished off with a crunchy crumble. These little beauties are perfect for family gatherings, a cozy afternoon tea, or even just to brighten up a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special. Not only does it fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma while baking, but it also brings everyone together as they enjoy these tasty treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cupcakes come together with ease.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen; whether it’s mixing or decorating, it’s a fun way to spend time together!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual get-togethers, these cupcakes are always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the apple filling or crumble in advance for an even quicker bake on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily make some adjustments based on your preferences or what you have at home.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch to both the filling and topping.
• Change up the spices: Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Use different fruits: Pears or berries can be substituted for apples if you want to mix things up!
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and coring your apples. Chop them into small chunks and toss them into a pan over low heat. Add in the light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover with a pan lid and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes until they’re softened. This step is crucial because it creates that deliciously spiced filling that makes each bite memorable!

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

While your apples cool down, let’s work on the crumble! 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 your butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread this mixture onto your lined tray and bake it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. This crunchy topping adds texture to our cupcakes!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s time for those wonderful cupcakes! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line your cupcake tin with cases. Mix together softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth—this step ensures a fluffy sponge! Once smooth, add in eggs one by one while whisking well after each addition. Gradually fold in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice until just combined. Divide this lovely batter among your cupcake cases and bake them for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. A skewer should come out clean when inserted into the center; this means they’re perfectly baked!

Step 4: Fill Your Cupcakes

Once cooled completely—patience is key here!—use a cupcake corer or simply cut out a small piece from each cupcake’s center. Fill those holes generously with our spiced apple filling we prepared earlier—this is where all that flavor hides!

Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting

For our final touch—let’s whip up some cinnamon buttercream! Beat softened butter on its own for several minutes before adding icing sugar along with cinnamon and milk. Mix until smooth; if it’s too thick, add just a touch more milk! Now you’re ready to pipe this sweet frosting onto each cupcake as generously as you’d like.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Top each frosted cupcake with more apple filling and sprinkle over some of that crunchy crumble topping we made earlier. If you’re not serving immediately, it’s best to wait on adding the crumble so it stays nice and crisp.

And there you have it—your very own batch of scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days (if they last that long!). Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

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

• Use fresh apples – Fresh apples not only enhance the flavor but also provide a lovely texture. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a more complex taste.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding in your ingredients helps to maintain the lightness of the cupcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully without becoming dense.
• Cool completely before frosting – Allowing your cupcakes to cool ensures that the buttercream stays fluffy and doesn’t melt. This way, your presentation remains gorgeous!
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and mixed spice levels according to your preference. Adding nutmeg or ginger could give an exciting twist to your cupcakes.
• Store properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps preserve their freshness while maintaining that delicious crumble topping.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Presenting your Apple Crumble Cupcakes in an appealing way will make them even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting – A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the buttercream adds a touch of elegance and enhances the warm flavors.
• Chopped nuts – A few chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and contrast, as well as complementing the apple filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cupcakes, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
• Warm caramel sauce – Drizzling some warm caramel sauce over each cupcake can elevate their sweetness and add another layer of flavor.
• Coffee or tea – A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting beverage pairing, enhancing both flavors and aromas while enjoying these treats.
• Fruit salad – A light fruit salad with citrus segments can balance the sweetness of the cupcakes, providing a refreshing accompaniment.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to indulge yourself throughout the week, these cupcakes hold their flavor and freshness beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• If possible, add the crumble topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.

Freezing

• Freeze unfilled cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• To freeze filled cupcakes, ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy slightly warm cupcakes, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
• Place the cupcakes on a baking tray and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through but not hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water. This will keep your cupcakes moist while maintaining that delightful flavor.

What kind of apples work best for Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Fuji. Both provide great flavor and texture that complements the spices beautifully.

How can I make the crumble topping healthier?

You can reduce sugar by using less brown sugar or replacing it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You could also add oats or nuts for added texture!

Can I use gluten-free flour in my Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Yes! Use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a one-to-one substitute for regular flour. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free if necessary.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Apple Crumble Cupcakes as much as I do! The combination of warm spiced apples nestled within soft cupcakes, topped with creamy buttercream and crunchy crumble is simply irresistible. These treats are sure to bring joy to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and share these delicious delights with your loved ones. Happy baking!