If you dream of the cozy comforts of fall, these Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting are your dessert soulmate: fluffy, apple-packed cupcakes crowned with swirls of spiced, creamy frosting. They capture everything wonderful about classic apple pie and transform it into a handheld treat that delights at family gatherings, potlucks, or just your average Tuesday night craving. Every bite brings real apple filling, tender crumb, and a cloud of cinnamon sweetness, making these cupcakes a celebration of everything we love about fall baking. Trust me—this recipe will have friends and family asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing too fancy here—just tried-and-true staples that join forces to create pure cupcake magic. Each ingredient adds something special, whether it’s bold autumn spice, pillowy texture, or bursts of juicy apple in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cupcakes, flour creates the structure that holds all those apples and pockets of flavor.
- Baking powder: The secret to making your cupcakes light, airy, and perfectly risen.
- Salt: Just a little amplifies all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Cinnamon: Warms up both the cake and frosting, making that classic apple-cinnamon duo really shine.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that gives these cupcakes a bakery-worthy aroma.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for both cake and frosting, butter delivers richness and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates that irresistible golden color on top of your cupcakes.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, holding everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds an extra layer of warmth and enhances all of the sweet, spicy notes.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes tender and gives a velvety richness to the batter.
- Apple pie filling (chopped): The star ingredient—little nibbles of apple fill every cupcake with juicy, nostalgic flavor. Homemade or store-bought works!
- Powdered sugar: For that smooth, fluffy Cinnamon Frosting we swirl on top.
- Heavy cream: This makes the frosting extra creamy and pipeable, so you get those gorgeous peaks on every cupcake.
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F—it’s always satisfying to step into a toasty kitchen! Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup and that classic cupcake look.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these together first ensures that all your spices and leaveners are luxuriously well-distributed, giving you even flavor and perfect rise in every cupcake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This essential step builds air into the batter, so your Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting bake up soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Once they’re well incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract for a delicious aroma that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a dream.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This method keeps your batter smooth and prevents over-mixing, so your cupcakes stay pillowy-soft.
Step 6: Fold in the Apple Filling
Gently fold in the chopped apple pie filling until evenly distributed. These tender apple bits are what make Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting so memorable—little treasures in every bite!
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Whip Up the Cinnamon Frosting
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, mixing slowly (to avoid a sugar shower). Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until your frosting is cloud-like and ready to be piped or spread.
Step 9: Decorate and Finish
Spoon or pipe the Cinnamon Frosting generously over each cupcake. If you like, garnish with a little extra chopped apple pie filling or a sprinkle of cinnamon for bakery-level panache and irresistible aroma.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting
Garnishes
Don’t hold back with garnishes! A dollop of apple pie filling or a dusting of cinnamon on top instantly makes these cupcakes extra festive, and truly highlights that classic apple-cinnamon partnership we all adore.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes are stars on their own, but they pair beautifully with spiced chai lattes or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve them alongside a caramel sauce for drizzling, or nestle among a platter of fresh apple slices for a simple afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, display them on a rustic cake stand, nestled in cupcake wrappers that match the season. For parties, pop in a cinnamon stick or a little dried apple slice as garnish for a playful, unique twist. For a sit-down dessert, serve with a little pitcher of warm caramel sauce for guests to drizzle themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting moist and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need a bit more time, pop them in the fridge—just let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best frosting texture.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. The Cinnamon Frosting can be made ahead and frozen separately in an airtight bag. Thaw both in the fridge overnight and frost freshly defrosted cupcakes for last-minute treats.
Reheating
If you stored your cupcakes in the fridge or freezer, let them sit out to reach room temperature, which brings back their freshly-baked flavor. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes—they’ll get soggy! Instead, for unfrosted cupcakes, a 10-second zap in the microwave revives their just-baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought apple pie filling work perfectly in this recipe. Homemade filling lets you control the sweetness and spice, which is wonderful if you like to experiment with flavors.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just check that your baking powder and filling are gluten-free as well for a treat everyone can enjoy.
How do I make the Cinnamon Frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a frosting that’s less sweet, start by using only 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, and taste as you go. Adding a pinch of salt can also balance the sweetness and really enhance the cinnamon flavor.
Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
Definitely! Just use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. You’ll end up with adorable bite-sized Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting—perfect for parties or kids’ lunches.
How far in advance can I bake these for a party?
You can bake the cupcakes, cool, and store them (unfrosted) up to 2 days ahead. Store at room temp or in the fridge, then frost them the day of your event for maximum freshness and that just-piped look.
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive right into these Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting! There’s something so magical about the cozy apple-spice combo tucked into a cupcake, topped with creamy cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because it’s fall and you want your kitchen to smell amazing, this recipe needs to be part of your repertoire. Grab your cupcake liners and make some sweet memories—you won’t regret it!
Print
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, combining the flavors of spiced apple filling with a sweet and creamy cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup apple pie filling (chopped into small pieces)
Cinnamon Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped apple pie filling.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, mixing slowly to combine. Add cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a fluffy, pipeable consistency.
- Frost the cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with a small spoonful of apple pie filling or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can use homemade or store-bought apple pie filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
