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Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

4.9 from 11 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it lightly.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cupcakes: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Sour Cream and Milk: Mix in the sour cream (or plain yogurt) and milk until the batter is smooth.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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

Keywords: apple crumble, cupcakes, fall dessert, autumn recipe, spiced apple cupcakes, crumble topping, cozy dessert