Apple Crumble Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the comfort of autumn flavors with the joy of cupcakes, then you’ll absolutely love these Apple Crumble Cupcakes! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender apples and a crunchy crumble topping. They are perfect for cozy family gatherings or when you just want to treat yourself after a long day. Plus, they make for an impressive dessert at any occasion!

Baking these cupcakes fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. And don’t worry; they’re simple enough to whip up even on busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavors: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and spiced apple filling creates a scrumptious taste that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sweet treats. They’re great for lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the apple filling or crumble ahead of time, making your baking day much easier.
• Fun to Decorate: Piping the buttercream and adding the crumble topping is a creative way to get the whole family involved in baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll 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 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or berries to create delightful variations.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger in place of mixed spice for a unique flavor twist.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

To start off, peel and core the apples before chopping them into small chunks. Cook them gently in a pan with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. This step is key because it softens the apples and allows them to absorb all those lovely flavors. After about 10-15 minutes on low heat, let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 while lining a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, combine plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon before rubbing in some unsalted butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. This mixture will bake into a crunchy topping that adds great texture!

Step 3: Bake the Crumble

Spread your crumble mixture onto the prepared baking tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden. It should feel firmer once cooled—it’s going to add that perfect crunch on top later!

Step 4: Make the Cupcake Batter

Next up! Preheat your oven again—this time to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4—and line a cupcake tin with cases. In a mixing bowl (an electric mixer works wonders here), cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Then whisk in eggs one at a time before gently folding in self-raising flour along with cinnamon and mixed spice.

Step 5: Bake Your Cupcakes

Divide this luscious batter among your cupcake cases and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean—it’s important so that each cupcake is perfectly baked!

Step 6: Core and Fill

Once cooled completely, use a cupcake corer or knife to remove some cake from each cupcake’s middle—this creates space for that delicious apple filling we made earlier! Spoon in as much as you like; it adds such wonderful flavor.

Step 7: Make Your Buttercream Frosting

For frosting bliss, beat softened butter alone for several minutes before adding icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth. If too stiff, add a splash more milk until it’s just right!

Step 8: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Using a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle—or just spreading it on if you prefer—add that beautiful buttercream onto each cupcake! Top it off with any remaining apple filling followed by sprinkling over your crunchy crumble topping.

Now all that’s left is to enjoy these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container—though I doubt there will be many left!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the most scrumptious Apple Crumble Cupcakes!

• Use fresh apples: Opt for firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cupcake and filling perfectly.

• Don’t skip cooling: Allow the apple filling to cool completely before adding it to your cupcakes. This prevents the sponge from becoming soggy and helps maintain its fluffy texture.

• Check doneness carefully: Every oven is different! Use a skewer to test the cupcakes; they’re done when it comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes.

• Piping buttercream: For a professional finish, use a piping bag with a decorative tip to apply your buttercream. It adds visual appeal and allows for more control over how much frosting you use.

• Store wisely: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you know they won’t be eaten right away, consider adding the crumble topping just before serving to keep it crunchy.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These delightful cupcakes are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dust: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the buttercream adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch and complement the apple filling wonderfully.
• Caramel drizzle: A thin drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over the top elevates both appearance and taste, making each bite even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cupcakes, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings brightness and balance to your dessert table.
• Herbal tea: Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors in the cupcakes while providing an energizing boost—perfect for brunch gatherings!

Enjoy creating and sharing these delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes! Each bite is filled with love and warmth, making them an ideal treat for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week without the fuss of daily baking.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in a cool place.
• Enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer, keep them refrigerated to extend freshness slightly.

Freezing

• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, microwave each cupcake for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes!

Can I make Apple Crumble Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them properly and add the crumble topping just before serving for optimal crunch.

What makes these Apple Crumble Cupcakes special?

These cupcakes combine the warm spices of cinnamon and mixed spice with a delicious apple filling, topped with creamy buttercream and crunchy crumble—perfect for any occasion!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Apple Crumble Cupcakes recipe?

Yes! You can swap out certain ingredients like using dairy-free butter or plant-based milk. Just be mindful that it may alter the final taste slightly.

How should I serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes?

Serve them as a delightful dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack during tea time. They’re great for gatherings or simply when you want to treat yourself!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Crumble Cupcakes! They’re not just a sweet delight but also a heartfelt way to share comfort with loved ones. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings that speak to you. Happy baking!