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Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
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These Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting combine the warm, nostalgic flavor of classic apple pie in a convenient cupcake form. Moist cupcakes filled with cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a luscious, creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour blend)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for tossing apples)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for tossing apples)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup for variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice fresh apples. Toss them with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to infuse classic apple pie flavor and add juicy sweetness throughout the cupcake.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture creates the base for a well-risen, flavorful cupcake.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air to build a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully combined, then stir in vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the cinnamon-coated diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution for bursts of apple flavor in every cupcake.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract or maple syrup if using for flavor variation.
  9. Frost and Decorate: Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed graham crackers for added texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to hold shape well and provide balance to sweetness.
  • Mix batter only until ingredients are just combined to keep cupcakes soft and tender.
  • Keep cream cheese frosting chilled until ready to frost for optimal consistency.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Test cupcake doneness gently with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free version.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly or freeze frosted cupcakes in single layers separated by parchment paper.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in microwave 10-15 seconds; avoid reheating with frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, apple dessert, gluten-free cupcakes

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/apple-pie-cupcakes-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting/