Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the fun and convenience of cupcakes. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes feature a tender cake base filled with spiced apple pie filling and topped with smooth, stabilized whipped cream. They are ideal for gatherings, family events, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates an irresistible flavor that reminds you of cozy fall days.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll find this recipe accessible even if you’re new to baking.
- Versatile Treat: These cupcakes are great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because!
- Impressive Presentation: Topped with whipped cream, they look stunning on any dessert table.
- Perfect Portion Size: Enjoy the classic taste of apple pie in a convenient cupcake format without the mess.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Apple Pie Cupcakes, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool ensures your batter is mixed well for a light and fluffy cupcake texture.
- Muffin tin: A must-have for shaping your cupcakes; it helps them bake evenly.
- Cupcake liners: These keep your cupcakes from sticking to the pan and make for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Cupcakes are perfectly spiced, tender cupcakes baked with apple pie filling and topped with stabilized whipped cream. They are reminiscent of a slice of apple pie but in convenient cupcake form!
For the Apple Filling
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, (cored, peeled and diced small)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
For the Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Stir until combined.
- Cook until apples soften slightly—about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
- Add about one tablespoon of cooled apple filling on top of the batter.
- Top with more batter until the liners are about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture along with vanilla extract and salt.
Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes
Once cooled completely, pipe or spread whipped cream on top of each cupcake.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Cupcakes!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes are versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, these cupcakes can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that complements the spiced flavors of the cupcakes.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra touch of sweetness and richness, perfect for fall.
Topped with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzled Caramel: A simple drizzle of caramel sauce on top enhances the apple flavor and adds a delightful sweetness.
With Whipped Cream
- Stabilized Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on each cupcake adds creaminess and makes them look even more appealing.
Garnished with Cinnamon
- Sprinkled Cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top can elevate the taste and provide a lovely aroma.
Served Warm
- Warm Cupcakes: Enjoying these cupcakes slightly warm brings out the flavor of the apples and spices even more.

How to Perfect Apple Pie Cupcakes
To ensure your Apple Pie Cupcakes come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples provide the best texture and flavor. Avoid using canned apples as they can be too mushy.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar is crucial for the perfect cupcake texture.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain a light, airy texture in your cupcakes.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool entirely before adding whipped cream or frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cupcakes
When serving Apple Pie Cupcakes, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: This simple snack adds crunch and pairs well with the apple theme.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers a nice contrast to the sweet cupcakes.
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate between bites.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars echo the fall flavors while providing a different dessert option.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who love variety, classic cookies make for an excellent addition to dessert spreads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Pie Cupcakes can be delightful, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the apple preparation: Failing to properly peel and dice the apples can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your apples are cored, peeled, and diced small for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Always bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before baking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts of flour and sugar to achieve consistent results.
- Skipping the cooling process: Removing cupcakes from the pan too early can cause them to break. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Apple Pie Cupcakes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Wrap each cupcake tightly with plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pie Cupcakes.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavors.
How do I make Apple Pie Cupcakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cupcakes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter whipped cream topping.
How long do Apple Pie Cupcakes last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cupcakes can last up to three days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie with the fun of cupcakes. They are perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or caramel sauce on top!

Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, merging the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the fun and convenience of cupcakes. These moist, tender cupcakes feature a spiced apple filling made from fresh Granny Smith apples, complemented by a smooth, stabilized whipped cream topping. Perfect for gatherings, family celebrations, or a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes bring the essence of fall right to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and spices until slightly softened.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, vanilla, and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each liner halfway with batter, add apple filling, then top with more batter until two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the whipped cream topping by blending cream cheese and sugar; fold in whipped heavy cream before frosting cooled cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg