By: Becky Hardin
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These apple cupcakes are topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a dessert that is super delicious. Make them for the holidays or any time of year, and the whole family will love them!
Table of Contents
Cupcakes with Apple
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to make this holiday season, this apple cupcakes recipe will do the trick!
Moist cupcakes with apple pieces in each bite are bound to win everyone over. Plus the cinnamon cream cheese frosting makes them even better. Make them for Thanksgiving if you want a single-serving dessert and fewer dishes (who doesn’t want that)!
Why You’ll Love this Apple Cupcake Recipe:
- Easy-to-make: Cupcakes are notoriously easy to make, so cupcakes with apple are just as simple! Just follow this easy recipe step-by-step. You’ve got this!
- Fall flavor: Apple is the flavor of fall so these cupcakes feel perfectly festive for the season!
Easy recipes like these cinnamon apple cupcakes are a great way to check off the dessert box this holiday season. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little caramel drizzle on top of your frosting for even more fun and decadence!
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How to Make Apple Cupcakes
You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!
- Combine ingredients to make the batter, then fold in the apple slices.
- Fill the cupcake liners with batter, bake, and let them cool.
- Make the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, then frost cooled cupcakes.
Recipe Notes
- Avoid using a dark pan when browning the butter. A white or light stainless pan will help you gauge the color of the butter.
- Depending on the size of your muffin pan, you may end up with enough batter to make more than 12 cupcakes. You can bake them in a second muffin tin at the same time.
What are apple cupcakes?
Apple cupcakes are delicious, warmly spiced cupcakes with fresh apple chunks folded in and topped with a rich, brown sugar cream cheese frosting. They’re a perfect fall treat!
What is the best type of apple for apple cupcakes?
Granny Smith apples are the best and most reliable to use in baking. They are naturally tart and sweet, which is perfect for baking!
Why aren’t my apple cupcakes rising properly?
If your cupcakes are a bit flat, that’s most likely because you didn’t add enough baking powder or baking soda. Also, be sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder/soda! If they’re expired, they just won’t do the trick.
Why are my apple cupcakes dry?
Dry cupcakes can be caused by 2 things. You may have measured the ingredients incorrectly, or you might have overmixed the batter. It’s important to spoon and level your ingredients if you’re not using a scale, and it’s important to have a light hand when mixing the batter.
Do apple cupcakes need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Because these cupcakes are loaded with moist, fresh apple pieces and frosted with cream cheese, they will keep best in the refrigerator.
Why does my cream cheese frosting look curdled?
If your frosting looks curdled, it is likely too cold. Place the frosting in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until the edges begin to melt, then whip again until it comes together.
Make Ahead Instructions
These apple cupcakes can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to frost and serve.
The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Let come to room temperature before using. You may need to rewhip the frosting for the best consistency.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover apple cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze unfrosted apple cupcakes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months.
Freeze cream cheese frosting in a Ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Substitutions
- If using salted butter, omit the kosher salt.
- For gluten-free apple cupcakes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- For richer-flavored cupcakes, use dark brown sugar instead of light.
- You can use any milk you like, including plant-based milk.
- While I recommend Granny Smith apples, you can also use Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
- In place of the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half.
Decorating Ideas
- Top them with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or an apple wedge!
- Drizzle them with caramel sauce or apple cider sauce.
- Add a turkey or leaf-shaped piece of pie crust for the Thanksgiving table!
Tips for the Best Apple Cupcakes
- Avoid using a dark pan when browning the butter. A white or light stainless pan will help you gauge the color of the butter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results (this includes the browned butter!)
- Depending on the size of your cupcake tin, you may end up with enough batter to make more than 12 cupcakes. You can bake them in a second cupcake tin at the same time.
- Don’t overfill the cupcake wells or your cupcakes may spill over.
- Be sure to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best frosting. Low-fat or spreadable cream cheese will not work!
More Holiday Cupcake Recipes We Love
- Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Halloween Graveyard Cupcakes
- Best Red Velvet Cupcakes
I hope you love these fun and flavorful apple cupcakes as much as I do! If you’re looking for even more delicious desserts, check out the other holiday-themed recipes below!
More Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to Try:
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Apple Cake
- Sweet Potato Souffle Cups
- Pumpkin Pie Dessert Lasagna
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Recipe
Apple Cupcakes Recipe
5 from 6 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 40 minutes minutes
Cook: 20 minutes minutes
Total: 1 hour hour
Serves12 cupcakes
Print Rate
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These apple cupcakes are topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a dessert that is super delicious. Make them for the holidays or any time of year, and the whole family will love them!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cupcakes
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams (1 stick)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour 180 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 6 grams
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1 gram
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 grams
- ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
- ½ cup granulated sugar 100 grams
- 2 large eggs 100 grams, room temperature
- ⅓ cup milk 76 grams, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 8 grams
- 1 large apple peeled and finely chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 8 ounces cream cheese 117 grams, room temperature and cut into cubes (1 brick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar 452 grams
- ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 5 grams
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream 43-57 grams
Recommended Equipment
Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
For the Apple Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners. Set aside.
Add the butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, begin stirring constantly until the butter gets foamy, then begins to brown. This will take 5-8 minutes. Once browned, pour the butter into a small bowl and set aside to cool.
½ cup unsalted butter
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together.
1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a large bowl, whisk the browned and cooled butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together.
½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup milk, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Fold in the apples.
1 large apple
Fill the cupcake liners ¾ of the way full (you may need more than 12). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
Once the cupcakes are cool, make the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth, about 2 minutes.
1 cup unsalted butter
Add in the cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
8 ounces cream cheese
Add in the vanilla and salt, beating until incorporated.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add in the powdered sugar.
4 cups powdered sugar
Add in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy, another 1-2 minutes.
½ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add in 3 tablespoons of the cream and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting seems thick, add in the last tablespoon of cream and beat again.
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Frost the cupcakes as desired and serve.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- If using salted butter, omit the kosher salt.
- For gluten-free apple cupcakes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- For richer-flavored cupcakes, use dark brown sugar instead of light.
- You can use any milk you like, including plant-based milk.
- While I recommend Granny Smith apples, you can also use Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
- In place of the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half.
- Avoid using a dark pan when browning the butter. A white or light stainless pan will help you gauge the color of the butter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results (this includes the browned butter!)
- Depending on the size of your cupcake tin, you may end up with enough batter to make more than 12 cupcakes. You can bake them in a second cupcake tin at the same time.
- Don’t overfill the cupcake wells or your cupcakes may spill over.
- Be sure to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best frosting. Low-fat or spreadable cream cheese will not work!
Storage:Store apple cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1cupcake Calories: 626kcal (31%) Carbohydrates: 83g (28%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 32g (49%) Saturated Fat: 20g (125%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 116mg (39%) Sodium: 306mg (13%) Potassium: 122mg (3%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 69g (77%) Vitamin A: 1085IU (22%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 69mg (7%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
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