Golden Apple Crumb Cupcakes

Step into the cozy embrace of autumn with these utterly delightful **Apple Pie Cupcakes**! More than just a dessert, they are a celebration of fall, capturing everything beloved about a classic apple pie in a charming, handheld form. Each moist cupcake cradles a generous heart of warm, gooey spiced apple filling, reminiscent of grandma’s homemade pie. This delectable core is then crowned with a buttery, crisp streusel topping, and finally, a graceful swirl of luscious spiced buttercream frosting. Soft, aromatic, and bursting with the comforting flavors of apple and warm spices in every single bite, these cupcakes are truly a revelation. If you, like me, often find yourself torn between the comforting embrace of a classic pie and the tender crumb of a perfect cake, then this innovative recipe is poised to become your new favorite culinary masterpiece, a harmonious mashup that delivers the best of both worlds.

Apple Pie Cupcakes with a Smart Cake Mix Shortcut

Creating show-stopping desserts doesn’t always have to mean endless hours in the kitchen, especially when you have a brilliant shortcut like these **apple pie filled cupcakes**. We begin with a simple box of vanilla cake mix, transforming it into something truly special by infusing it with a hint of warming **apple pie spice**. This clever trick gives our cupcakes that desirable ‘from-scratch’ taste and texture, all while significantly cutting down on prep time. This efficiency allows us to lavish more attention on the true heroes of this recipe: the rich, caramelized **apple pie filling**, the irresistible buttery **streusel**, and the dreamy, fluffy **spiced buttercream**. The result? Cupcakes that come together surprisingly fast but deliver an authentic, gourmet flavor profile that will have everyone convinced you spent the entire day baking.

Crafting Your Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Culinary Journey

Embark on a delightful baking adventure as we walk through the creation of these magnificent **apple pie cupcakes**. Each component, from the tender cake to the delightful streusel, the luscious apple filling, and the crowning glory of spiced frosting, plays a vital role in achieving dessert perfection. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall!

Step 1: The Foundation – Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes

First, set your oven to a welcoming 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cupcake tin with paper liners or a good nonstick spray. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix (typically a 13.25-ounce box) with a generous ½ teaspoon of **apple pie spice**. This simple addition is our secret to infusing that classic autumn flavor right into the cake base. Add 1 cup of water, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a tender crumb. Divide this fragrant batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. A ¼ cup cookie scoop is an excellent tool for achieving consistently sized cupcakes. Set these aside briefly as we prepare our crumbly streusel topping.

Step 2: The Crumbly Crown – Buttery Streusel Topping

Now, let’s create the delightful **streusel topping** that adds a wonderful texture and buttery crunch to our cupcakes. In a separate small bowl, gently combine 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter (at room temperature), and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Use your fingertips or a fork to work the ingredients together until they form coarse crumbs, resembling a slightly sticky sugar cookie dough. Sprinkle a generous 1 to 2 teaspoons of this streusel mixture over the top of each unbaked cupcake. This golden topping will bake into a beautiful, flavorful crust. Place your streusel-topped cupcakes into the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Once baked, carefully transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial before we add our luscious filling and frosting.

Step 3: The Star – Irresistible Spiced Apple Filling

While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the sensational **apple filling** that truly defines these treats. In a small saucepan, combine 2 peeled and finely chopped Granny Smith apples (their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness), ½ cup of rich brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of fragrant apple pie spice. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently, allowing the apples to soften and the sugars to caramelize into a thick, glossy sauce. This process typically takes about 10-12 minutes. The sauce should achieve a consistency similar to warm caramel. Once it reaches this point, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly, ready to be nestled into our cupcakes.

Step 4: The Cloud-Like Finish – Spiced Buttercream Frosting

No cupcake is complete without a decadent frosting, and our **spiced buttercream** is simply divine. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, begin by beating ½ cup (one stick) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, on medium speed. Continue beating for about 2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully smooth and creamy. Next, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add 2½ cups of powdered sugar, along with 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. Incorporate these ingredients slowly to avoid a powdered sugar cloud! Once all the sugar is added, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the icing for another 2 minutes until it transforms into a light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth buttercream. Transfer this exquisite frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (a Wilton 2A creates a lovely swirl). Set it aside, anticipating the final assembly.

Step 5: The Grand Assembly – Bringing it All Together

With all components cooled and ready, it’s time for the grand finale! Using a small paring knife or a cupcake corer, carefully scoop out a small hole from the center of each cooled cupcake. Don’t go all the way through; you want to create a little nest for our filling. Gently fill each hollow with approximately 2 teaspoons of the warm, luscious **apple filling**. Replace the small piece of cake you removed back on top, creating a cap for the filling. Finally, take your piping bag and pipe a beautiful swirl of the spiced buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. For an extra touch of autumnal charm and flavor, consider a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the frosting. These Apple Pie Cupcakes are now ready to be admired and devoured!

4.84 from 6 votes

Apple Pie Cupcake Recipe

These apple pie cupcakes are filled with fresh apples and topped with streusel and a spiced buttercream frosting– yum!

Prep: 25 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 cupcakes

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Ingredients

For the Cupcake

• 13.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Streusel Topping

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Apple Filling

• 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped*
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Cupcake Tin
• Stand Mixer
• Piping Tip Set

Instructions

For the Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
• Mix the cake mix, pie spice, water, vegetable oil, and eggs together in a large bowl.
  
• Divide the batter between the muffin tins, filling each one about ⅔ of the way full (I used a ¼ cup cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size). Set the cupcakes aside while you make the streusel.
  

For the Streusel Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the flour, butter, and sugar.
• Sprinkle about 1-2 teaspoons of the streusel over each cupcake.
  
• Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool while you make the filling and frosting.

For the Apple Filling

• Add the apples, brown sugar, butter, and apple pie spice to a small saucepan set over medium heat.
• Cook, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes or until the apples are soft and the sauce has thickened into a caramel consistency.
  
• Set aside until ready to use.

For the Frosting

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Reduce to low speed and slowly add the powdered sugar and apple pie spice a little at a time.
• Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl and turn the mixer to medium-high speed. Beat the icing until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer to a piping bag fitted with your choice of tip (I used a Wilton 2A) and set aside until ready to assemble.
  

Assembly

• Once the cupcakes have cooled, scoop a small hole out of the center of each one.
• Fill the holes with the apple filling (about 2 teaspoons) and place the cake back on top.
• Pipe the icing on top and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
  

Notes

*I recommend a slightly tart variety, like Granny Smith.

Tips for Success:

• Take care not to overmix the cupcake batter. Overmixed batter can result in dense, dry, and rubbery cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a tender, fluffy result.
• Always bake your cupcakes in a fully preheated oven. This ensures even cooking and helps the cupcakes rise properly, preventing sinking or uneven textures.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to fill or frost them. Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting and cause the filling to run.
• The delicious apple pie filling is a great make-ahead component! Prepare it 2-3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.

Storage & Freezing:

Store leftover apple pie cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to make these further ahead of time, you can freeze the unfrosted and unfilled cupcakes. Frozen cupcakes will keep beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature before proceeding with the filling, frosting, and serving steps. This makes them perfect for future gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings!

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pie Cupcake Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cupcake)

Calories 480
Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 82mg27%

Sodium 241mg10%

Potassium 100mg3%

Carbohydrates 70g23%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 52g58%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 500IU10%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 94mg9%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

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How to Store Your Apple Pie Cupcakes

To keep these delectable **apple pie cupcakes** fresh and moist, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain wonderfully delicious for up to 2 days. For those who enjoy planning ahead, the unfrosted and unfilled cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge, then proceed with the filling and frosting steps. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for special occasions or when unexpected sweet cravings strike!