If you love the comforting flavors of a classic apple crumble and the irresistible charm of cupcakes, then you are going to adore this Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe. These delightful treats combine tender, spiced apples baked right into fluffy cupcakes, topped with a cinnamon-scented buttercream and a perfectly crisp crumble topping. Each bite offers a beautiful blend of soft textures with just the right amount of crunch, making these cupcakes an ideal dessert for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fresh apples offering natural sweetness and moisture to the warm spices that bring everything to life, these simple but essential components come together beautifully.
- 2 medium apples: Choose firm apples that hold shape when cooked, perfect for the filling’s soft chunks.
- 30 g light brown soft sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: A classic spice that enhances the apple’s natural sweetness in the filling.
- 1/4 tsp mixed spice: Brings subtle complexity and warmth to the filling.
- 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch): Helps thicken the apple filling to just the right consistency.
- 10 g unsalted butter: Adds richness to the apple filling’s silky texture.
- 8 g light brown soft sugar (for crumble topping): Sweetens the crunchy topping with a caramel hint.
- 17 g plain flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping for delightful crispness.
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon (for crumble topping): Adds a gentle warmth to balance the topping’s buttery crunch.
- 175 g unsalted butter (softened): Vital for both the cupcakes and buttercream, providing creaminess and structure.
- 175 g light brown soft sugar: Sweetens the cupcake batter with a rich, molasses flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Bind and enrich the cupcake batter for lightness and moisture.
- 175 g self-raising flour: Ensures the cupcakes rise with a soft crumb.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for cupcakes): Gives the cupcakes a gentle spiced note that complements the apple filling.
- 1/4 tsp mixed spice (for cupcakes): Adds depth to the flavor profile in the batter.
- 350 g icing sugar: Provides the sweetness and smooth texture for the buttercream frosting.
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for buttercream): A fragrant twist that makes the frosting unmistakably cozy.
- 2-3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the buttercream to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping the apples into small pieces. Gently cook them in a pan with the initial 30 g of light brown sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, and cornflour. Add the butter and stir occasionally until the apples soften and the filling thickens beautifully. Set this mixture aside to cool completely; this step is crucial to prevent the filling from melting your buttercream later on.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
While the apples cool, prepare your crumble topping by combining plain flour, 8 g brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the softened butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Spread this crumble evenly on a baking sheet and bake at a moderate temperature until golden and crispy. This topping will add that quintessential crunch to your cupcakes.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Cream the softened butter and 175 g light brown sugar together until fluffy and pale. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for an airy batter. Gently fold in the self-raising flour along with the cinnamon and mixed spice, taking care not to overmix to keep your cupcakes light and tender. Divide the batter evenly in a lined cupcake tray and bake until golden and springy to the touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, carefully core a small hole in the center of each. Spoon the cooled apple filling into each cavity, maximizing the lovely fruit surprise inside. Prepare the cinnamon buttercream by beating the softened butter with icing sugar and cinnamon, adding milk little by little until perfectly smooth. Pipe or spread the frosting generously over each cupcake, then generously sprinkle the baked crumble topping to finish off your masterpiece.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
The rustic crumble topping already adds visual appeal and crunch, but you can elevate the presentation by dusting a little extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. A small drizzle of caramel sauce makes these cupcakes even more indulgent and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy treat. A warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider perfectly complements the spices in the cupcakes and makes for a cozy pairing on cooler days.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Apple Crumble Cupcakes as part of a brunch spread or at a fall-themed party. Place them in pretty cupcake liners or display them on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices for an inviting look. For a fun twist, stack cupcakes in tiers for a cupcake tower centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cupcakes keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, you might prefer refrigeration to maintain the buttercream’s texture, though this can slightly firm up the frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze unfilled cupcakes or whole assembled ones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator the night before serving and add the crumble topping fresh after thawing to keep it crisp.
Reheating
If you choose to serve warmed cupcakes, gently reheat thawed ones in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds — just enough to soften without melting the frosting. Avoid reheating while frozen as this can affect the texture dramatically.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during cooking, giving that lovely texture to the filling.
Is there a substitute for mixed spice?
If you don’t have mixed spice on hand, a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice will beautifully replicate the warm flavor profile in the cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the plain and self-raising flours for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy these cupcakes without gluten. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly.
How long can I keep the buttercream on these cupcakes?
The cinnamon buttercream stays fresh for up to 48 hours when refrigerated in a sealed container, so it’s best to frost the cupcakes close to serving time for optimal taste and texture.
Would these cupcakes work without the crumble topping?
Of course! The crumble topping adds crunch and flavor, but skipping it still leaves you with a delicious, moist apple cupcake with wonderful cinnamon buttercream.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe because it’s one of those sweet little pleasures that warm your heart and taste buds in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these cupcakes bring the cozy flavors of fall into perfect handheld form. So, grab your mixing bowl and apples, and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen today!
Print
Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delight in these beautifully spiced Apple Crumble Cupcakes, combining tender cupcakes filled with a warm apple filling, topped with rich cinnamon buttercream and a crunchy crumble topping for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 30 g light brown soft sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 10 g unsalted butter
Crumble Topping
- 17 g plain flour
- 8 g light brown soft sugar
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 10 g unsalted butter (cold, for topping)
Cupcakes
- 175 g unsalted butter, softened
- 175 g light brown soft sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175 g self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp mixed spice
Cinnamon Buttercream
- 175 g unsalted butter, softened
- 350 g icing sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the chopped apples along with the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Mix the cornflour with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the apples to thicken the filling. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Make the crumble topping: Combine the plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread onto a baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the cupcake batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift in the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice and fold gently until just combined.
- Bake the cupcakes: Line a cupcake tin with paper cases and fill each about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the cupcakes: Using a corer or small knife, remove a small portion from the center of each cooled cupcake. Spoon the cooled apple filling into each cavity. For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until smooth, gradually adding the icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread the buttercream over each cupcake and sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and balance of sweetness.
- Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the buttercream.
- The crumble topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust milk in the buttercream for desired consistency—less milk for stiffer icing, more for a softer spread.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
