Apple Crisp Cupcakes

Apple Crisp Cupcakes combine the flavors of a classic apple crisp with the convenience and charm of cupcakes. With moist cinnamon-infused cake, a luscious apple cinnamon filling, velvety cinnamon buttercream, and a buttery crumble topping, these cupcakes are the ultimate autumn treat. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy fall afternoon, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Cinnamon Cupcakes:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (room temperature)

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• 2 ½ cups peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, cubed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cinnamon Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream sugar, butter, and oil until smooth. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add half of the dry mixture, followed by the milk, and then the remaining dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
5. Fill the liners about ¾ full with batter and bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops bounce back when lightly touched. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

1. Whip butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.
3. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until smooth. Slowly drizzle in heavy cream and beat for another 3 minutes for a creamy texture.

Step 3: Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until apples soften.
2. Mix cornstarch and 1 tbsp water into a slurry. Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the slurry, and mix well to thicken.
3. Let the filling cool to room temperature before using.

Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping

1. Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Spread the crumble onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Pipe a ring of cinnamon buttercream around the edge of each cupcake using a piping bag with an Ateco 826 tip, leaving a well in the center.
2. Spoon the apple cinnamon filling into the well of each cupcake.
3. Sprinkle the tops with the crumble topping. For extra flair, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top if desired.

Storage and Serving

• Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Crumble Topping: For best texture, sprinkle the crumble topping on the cupcakes the day you plan to serve them.

Flavors, Textures, and Presentation

Each Apple Crisp Cupcake offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

• The cinnamon cupcakes are moist and warmly spiced.
• The apple cinnamon filling adds a juicy, sweet-tart center.
• The buttercream frosting is smooth, creamy, and cinnamon-infused.
• The crumble topping provides a buttery crunch that evokes the essence of classic apple crisp.

Visually, these cupcakes are stunning, with their textured frosting, vibrant apple filling, and golden crumble topping.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Apple Choices: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Extra Spice: Add nutmeg or cloves to the cupcake batter for a deeper spice profile.
• Caramel Addition: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an indulgent touch.
• Nutty Twist: Mix crushed pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Cupcakes

These cupcakes are the ultimate fusion of comfort and elegance. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy day at home, they capture the warmth of apple crisp in a portable, crowd-pleasing format.