Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience and charm of a cupcake. These moist treats are filled with spiced apple filling and topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream, making them perfect for dessert or snack time.

Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups apple filling (prepared separately or store-bought)
- 1 batch cinnamon buttercream frosting (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill with about 1-2 tablespoons of apple filling.
- Step 10: Pipe or spread cinnamon buttercream frosting over the filled cupcakes.
- Step 11: Optionally, top with a small amount of the apple filling for garnish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, use fresh diced apples cooked with cinnamon and sugar for the filling.
- Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender crumb.
- Top cupcakes with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
Storage
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving or gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave. If storing longer, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and thaw before filling and frosting.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the apple filling from scratch?
Absolutely! You can sauté peeled, diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and a bit of butter until tender. Let it cool before using.
Will these cupcakes work without frosting?
Yes, they’re still delicious without frosting. You can simply sprinkle powdered sugar on top or enjoy them as is with the apple filling inside.
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Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cupcakes, a perfect blend of moist spiced cake filled with sweet apple filling and topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting. Ideal for dessert lovers craving the comforting taste of apple pie in a convenient cupcake form.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Filling and Frosting
- 2 cups apple filling (prepared separately or store-bought)
- 1 batch cinnamon buttercream frosting (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Core and Fill: Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the hollow with about 1-2 tablespoons of apple filling.
- Frost: Pipe or spread cinnamon buttercream frosting over each filled cupcake evenly.
- Garnish: Optionally, add a small spoonful of apple filling on top of the frosting for an extra decorative and flavorful touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Apple filling can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before filling and frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, apple cupcakes, cinnamon buttercream, dessert cupcakes, spiced cupcakes

