Why Make This Recipe

Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They combine the comforting flavors of apple crumble with the fun and convenience of a cupcake. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet snack at home. With a soft cupcake base, a warm apple filling, and a crumbly topping, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone. Plus, they are simple to make, making them a great choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Ingredients:

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)
8 g Light brown soft sugar
17 g Plain flour
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
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
175 g Butter (softened, unsalted)
350 g Icing sugar
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
2-3 tbsp Milk

Directions:

To make the apple filling, peel and core the apples, then chop them into small chunks. Add them to a pan on low heat with light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir everything together and cover the pan. Cook the apples for 10-15 minutes until soft. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Next, make the crumble. Preheat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, mix plain flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Add butter and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until it looks like breadcrumbs. Spread it on the lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. It will firm up more as it cools.
For the cupcakes, preheat your oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 and line a cupcake tin with cases. In a bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs and whisk well. Then gently whisk in self-raising flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Divide the mixture among the 12 cupcake cases. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
Use a cupcake corer or a knife to make a hole in the middle of each cupcake. Fill these holes with the apple filling.
To make the buttercream, mix the butter on its own for a few minutes. Then add cinnamon, icing sugar, and milk, and mix until smooth. If the buttercream is too stiff, add a bit more milk. Pipe or spread the buttercream on each cupcake.
Add the remaining apple filling on top of the cupcakes and sprinkle the crumble over them. If not serving immediately, consider waiting to add the crumble, as it can become softer when in contact with the buttercream. Store in an airtight container in a cool place and eat within 3 days.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Serve these delicious Apple Crumble Cupcakes as a sweet dessert or a delightful snack. They are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a wonderful afternoon treat!

How to Store Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place. It’s best to eat them within 3 days to enjoy their freshness. If you’re storing them for longer, you might want to keep the crumble separately to maintain its texture.

Tips to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Make sure to cool the apple filling completely before adding it to the cupcakes to avoid making the sponge soggy.
Use room temperature ingredients as they mix together better.
If you don’t have mixed spice, you can simply use a bit more cinnamon or a blend of nutmeg and ginger.

Variation

You can add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the crumble topping for extra crunch. Alternatively, try adding some raisins or cranberries to the apple filling for a fruity twist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use any eating apples you prefer. Granny Smith apples will add a tart flavor, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work great too.

Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without the frosting or crumble. Place them in an airtight container and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving and then add the buttercream and crumble.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
You can use margarine or any baking spread as a substitute for butter. For a dairy-free version, you can try coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Apple Crumble Cupcakes