Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe
Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a delightful fall-inspired treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of traditional apple crumble with the convenience and charm of a cupcake. Featuring a moist cinnamon-spiced cupcake base, a tender apple filling, and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping, these cupcakes capture the essence of autumn in every bite, perfect for cozy gatherings or an indulgent afternoon snack.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or fingertips to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with visible small butter pieces. Cover and refrigerate to keep the butter cold.
- Make Apple Filling: In a bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to coat evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cupcakes: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together 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. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Sour Cream and Milk: Mix in the sour cream (or plain yogurt) and milk until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Spoon a tablespoon of cupcake batter into each muffin cup. Add about a teaspoon of the apple filling on top of the batter in each cup, then cover with more batter to fill about 2/3 full. Finish by sprinkling an ample pinch of the crumble topping over each cupcake.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake portion (not apple) comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally drizzle with caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use tart or sweet apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for best flavor and texture.
- Keep the butter cold when making the crumble topping to ensure a crunchy texture after baking.
- Do not overmix the cupcake batter to keep the cupcakes tender.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to revive the crumble crunch, or serve at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based yogurt and milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple crumble, cupcakes, fall dessert, autumn recipe, spiced apple cupcakes, crumble topping, cozy dessert