Apple Pie Cupcakes with Spiced Cider Buttercream
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Turn a classic fall dessert into something extra special with these Apple Pie Cupcakes with Spiced Cider Buttercream! Tender apple spice cupcakes are filled with a simple apple pie filling and topped with creamy, spiced cider buttercream. Every bite is reminiscent of apple pie but in cupcake form—perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert, or holiday gifts!
If you love both Apple Pie and Apple Cake, now you don’t have to decide between the two! These Apple Pie Cupcakes combine tender, spiced cake and juicy apple filling in one delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
- Amazing Texture: Fluffy cupcakes, juicy apple filling, and creamy frosting combine for the perfect bite.
- Classic Fall Flavor: Warm spices and sweet apple make this a cozy, comforting dessert.
- Simple to Make: The batter comes together with just a bowl and whisk, the filling cooks in 10 minutes, and the frosting is a breeze to whip up.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cupcakes and make the filling in advance, then fill and frost before serving for an easy, stress-free dessert.
There Are 4 Parts To These Cupcakes
The Filling
Combine chopped apples, powdered sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, salt, vanilla, and melted butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes). Set aside to cool.
⊹ Quick Tip ⊹
Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, but mixing with Fuji or Pink Lady can add a sweeter balance.
The Cupcakes
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt). In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients (eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until combined.
Scoop batter evenly into a lined muffin tin (about 3 tablespoons per cupcake) and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
The Frosting
Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy (1-2 minutes). Add apple pie spice, apple cider, and vanilla, and beat again until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
⊹ A Couple of Quick Tips ⊹
- If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice works in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder.
- If you want something a little different, try frosting these cupcakes with our Best Cream Cheese Frosting and stir in some apple pie spice or cinnamon.
Assembly
Using a cupcake corer or small knife, remove the center of each cupcake. Fill with a tablespoon of apple pie filling, then pipe or spread frosting over the top.
Decorating Ideas
- Drizzle the cupcakes with a salted caramel sauce or even boiled cider for added flavor!
- Apple slices add a cute element to these cupcakes, but they must be brushed with lemon juice, as they will brown once they begin to oxidize.
- Add whole spices like star anise or a cinnamon stick for a cute decorative element.
- Feel free to color your frosting to pipe apples or apple-inspired designs onto your cupcakes.
- Buy (or make!) red fondant and make your own little apples! You can use a brown sprinkle or a chocolate chip for the stem.
Looking for more recipes like this? Here are a few you may like:
If you’re looking for more fall apple recipes, check out our round-up of 15 of our favorites – 15 Delicious Apple Recipes That Are Perfect For Fall!
When you make these Apple Pie Cupcakes with Spiced Cider Buttercream, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.
Happy baking!
x, Caylie
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Spiced Cider Buttercream
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling
- ¾ pound apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 4⅔ Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1¾ teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 pinch salt
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoon salted butter, melted
Cupcakes
- 1¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1¾ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 9 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
Spiced Apple Cider Frosting
- 1½ cups salted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Apple Pie Filling
- Combine apples, powdered sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, salt, vanilla, and melted butter in a medium saucepan.
- Cook and stir over medium low heat until apples are tender and juice is thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Cupcakes
- Heat oven to 350℉/177℃.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients.
- Mix just until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Use a 3 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until cupcakes test done.
Spiced Apple Cider Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar.
- Beat 1-2 minutes, until creamy.
- Add apple pie spice, apple cider and vanilla.
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
- Using a cupcake corer, a small knife, or a grapefruit spoon, core cooled cupcakes.
- Fill each cupcake with about 1 Tablespoon of apple pie filling.
- Pipe or spread frosting on top of filled cupcakes.
Notes + Tips!
Storing Your Apple Pie Cupcakes
Have extra cupcakes? Here’s the best way to store them:- Refrigerate: Place cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Easy Substitutions
- Apples: Any baking apple works great. For more flavor, try a mix of varieties.
- Apple pie spice: No apple pie spice? Just use cinnamon instead.
- Butter: Prefer to use unsalted butter? The butter in the filling is interchangeable. In the frosting, add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Make it vegan: Substitute with plant-based butter, your favorite vegan egg substitute (like aquafaba), and plant-based milk. For frosting, use vegan butter and milk.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Apple selection: Choose firm, bruise-free apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Apple measurement: ¾ pound of apples is about 2 small apples.
- Testing doneness: If a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, they’re done!
- Cooling: Let cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting.
- Frosting amount: Decorate as desired; adjust frosting amount as needed.
Tools You May Need (affiliate links)
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