The moment I pulled these apple pie cupcakes from the oven, their warm, spiced aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I had a vision of traditional apple pie, but wanted to present it in an entirely new way. Combining fluffy vanilla sponge cake with sweet apple pie filling and topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream, these cupcakes are a delightful spin on a beloved classic.
They're perfect for gatherings, whether you're impressing friends at a coffee date or livening up a festive celebration. And let's be honest—who can resist a portable dessert that captures the essence of a home-baked pie? What's great is the ease with which you can whip these up, using a simple cake mix as the foundation and tailoring the flavors to suit any palate. Plus, they can easily be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets, making them a versatile choice for everyone. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this easy and delightful recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why Are Apple Pie Cupcakes So Irresistible?
Unique Twist: These cupcakes combine the beloved flavors of apple pie into a handheld treat, offering nostalgia with every bite.
Customization Made Easy: Adapt the recipe with different cake mixes or pie fillings to suit your taste!
Quick Prep Time: With a few simple steps, these cupcakes come together in no time, perfect for busy bakers.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free diets—everyone can enjoy!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings, they’ll have your friends and family coming back for seconds, making them a must-try for any occasion.
Apple Pie Cupcake Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
• Yellow Cake Mix – Forms the base of the cupcakes, offering a soft, tender crumb; substitute with spice cake mix for added warmth.
• Canned Apple Pie Filling – Provides convenience with perfectly spiced apples; can be swapped with homemade apple pie filling for a personal touch.
• Unsalted Butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture to both the cupcakes and frosting; use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances the cozy flavors with its depth and molasses-like sweetness; coconut sugar can be a great alternative.
• Cinnamon – Essential for warmth in the cupcakes and frosting; feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out flavors with a sweet note.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – Forms the base, ensuring a smooth frosting finish; adjust for desired consistency.
• Milk – Aids in achieving the perfect frosting consistency; choose a dairy-free milk for a vegan option.
Remember, these apple pie cupcakes are not just a treat, they’re a delightful experience!
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cute cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
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Prepare the Batter: Mix the yellow cake mix with the ingredients specified on the package. Once combined, pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full, then bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 15-20 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
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Core the Cupcakes: Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, carefully remove the centers of each cupcake. This step creates room for the scrumptiously sweet apple pie filling, ensuring every bite is delightful.
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Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This blend will bring a warm flavor to the frosting that perfectly complements the cupcakes.
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Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, then pour in the milk. Increase the speed to medium and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust the consistency to your liking!
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Frost the Cupcakes: Generously frost each cooled cupcake with the fluffy cinnamon buttercream using a large piping tip for a lovely finish. For an extra touch, add a teaspoon of apple pie filling on top of the frosting and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Optional: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cupcakes for an indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Fridge: If frosted, keep the apple pie cupcakes in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days; cover them with plastic wrap or keep in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; frost once thawed for best taste.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen cupcakes in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving. Enjoy at room temperature, or gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Apple Pie Cupcakes Variations
Invite your creativity into the kitchen as you customize these delightful cupcakes with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
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Spice Cake Swap: Replace yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor profile. It adds that warm, aromatic essence everyone loves!
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Homemade Filling: Use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned for a personal touch and fresh taste. It’s a beautiful way to elevate your cupcakes to the next level.
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Gluten-Free Option: Choose a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the flavors intact. Everyone deserves a bite of this deliciousness!
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Coconut Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a natural sweetness that’s lower on the glycemic index. You’ll love the earthy flavor it brings!
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Vegan Butter: Use plant-based butter to make the frosting dairy-free without sacrificing the rich, creamy texture you crave. It’s the perfect solution for vegan friends!
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist that complements the sweet apple filling beautifully. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
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Fruit Filling Variations: Experiment with other pie fillings like cherry, peach, or blueberry for delightful surprises in every cupcake. Each variant brings its own charm!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple pie filling for extra texture and a nutty flavor that adds depth and crunch. It’s an irresistible combination!
Make Ahead Options
These apple pie cupcakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cupcakes up to 24 hours in advance—simply bake them, cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy or serve, let the frosting come to room temperature for easier spreading, and then generously frost each cupcake. For the best quality, fill the centers with apple pie filling just before serving to keep the cupcakes moist and delicious. With these make ahead options, you can ensure delightful treats with minimal effort on busy days!
What to Serve with Apple Pie Cupcakes?
Indulging in these delightful apple pie cupcakes opens a door to a world of delicious pairings that enhance the experience beyond just a sweet treat.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of ice cream to balance the warmth of the cupcakes with creamy coolness. It creates a delightful contrast with every bite.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream offers a fluffy topping that complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully. It's the perfect finishing touch to each delightful bite.
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Spiced Chai Latte: Warm spiced chai elevates the cupcakes, echoing the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon. The aromatic spices in the chai resonate well with the richness of the frosting, making it a perfect pairing.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A sweet drizzle of caramel adds an indulgent touch that enhances the cupcakes’ flavor while introducing a luxurious sweetness. This combination invites you to savor every mouthful.
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Crisp Green Apple Slices: The crunch and tartness of fresh apple slices help to cleanse your palate while staying true to the apple theme. Their freshness adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing with a rich cup of coffee or a shot of espresso provides a delightful balance of flavors, enhancing the indulgent nature of your dessert while keeping you cozy.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: To create a fun dessert platter, add mini cinnamon sugar doughnuts for guests to enjoy a variety of comforting flavors and textures. The spice and sweetness play harmoniously together, leaving everyone satisfied.
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Sparkling Cider: Whether for a festive occasion or just a delightful treat, sparkling cider brings a refreshing element, cutting through the rich buttercream and providing a celebratory touch.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Cupcakes
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Cool Completely: Allow your cupcakes to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and losing that beautiful fluffy texture.
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Consistent Filling: Use a cupcake corer for even filling; this ensures each bite of your apple pie cupcakes is perfectly balanced with filling.
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Adjusting Frosting: If your frosting turns out too thin, slowly incorporate more powdered sugar; for thickness, add a touch more milk until it's just right.
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Piping Perfection: Choose a large piping tip for a professional-looking finish, making it easier to create beautiful swirls of frosting on your cupcakes.
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Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the filling or buttercream adds brightness to balance the sweetness of your apple pie cupcakes.
Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe apples for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting apples for a homemade filling, look for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Avoid apples with dark spots or bruises, as these can affect the flavor and texture of your filling.
What is the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Very good question! Store any leftover apple pie cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If they are frosted, place them in the fridge for about 3-5 days, ensuring they're covered well to keep moisture in.
Can I freeze my apple pie cupcakes?
Certainly! For the best results, freeze unfrosted apple pie cupcakes. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and frost them fresh before serving.
What should I do if my frosting is too thin?
No worries! If your frosting ends up too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while mixing on low. Continue until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, mix in a tiny bit of milk, about half a teaspoon at a time, until creamy.
Are these apple pie cupcakes allergy-friendly?
Yes, they can be! You can easily make these cupcakes suitable for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free cake mix. For dairy-free options, substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative in the frosting. Everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
How can I enhance the flavor of my apple pie filling?
I often like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple pie filling for a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness beautifully! If you’re aiming for more warmth, consider mixing in a sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice for additional depth in flavor.
Irresistibly Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes: Your New Favorite Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the yellow cake mix with the additional ingredients specified on the package. Pour the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Using a cupcake corer or small knife, carefully remove the centers of each cupcake to create room for the apple pie filling.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, then pour in the milk. Increase speed and whip until frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Frost each cooled cupcake with the cinnamon buttercream. Optionally, add a teaspoon of apple pie filling on top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
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