Description
Delicious Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting combine tender apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a luscious creamy frosting for a cozy, fall-inspired treat. These moist cupcakes are easy to make and perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Enjoy a perfectly balanced sweetness with every bite and customize flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for apples)
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss them with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar to enhance their natural flavor. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until fully combined for even leavening and spice distribution.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to add moisture and richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender and soft.
- Fold in the Apples: Carefully fold in the cinnamon-coated diced apples, ensuring even distribution to guarantee juicy apple bites throughout.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners placed in a muffin pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Garnish: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or garnish with a thin apple slice.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly and create a smoother frosting texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir until ingredients are just combined for soft, fluffy cupcakes.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to hold up well during baking and balance sweetness.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk to thin as preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, cinnamon frosting, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, moist cupcakes, easy baking, seasonal dessert