If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a cozy slice of apple pie and a delightfully fluffy cupcake, now you can have the best of both worlds with Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight. Dreamy spiced apples nestle inside moist yellow cake and get crowned with luscious buttercream—each bite feels like wrapping up in your favorite fall sweater. These cupcakes capture everything you love about apple pie, but in an adorable, portable treat that’s irresistible at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create such a memorable dessert with just a handful of essential ingredients! Each one plays an important role, giving the cupcakes their unique color, balanced sweetness, and classic apple pie flavor. Every item on this list matters, so don’t skip any if you want that show-stopping result.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation for moist, tender cupcakes—it’s the ultimate shortcut to bakery-level results.
- Apple pie filling, chopped: Sweet and spiced apples bring classic pie flavor and juicy texture to the center of every cupcake.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that irresistible warm spice that makes apples truly shine.
- Nutmeg: A little goes a long way, giving each bite gentle warmth and nuance.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with notes of caramel and molasses that pair perfectly with apples.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for creating a plush, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar: Provides the base for smooth, fluffy buttercream without any grit.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a fragrant boost that rounds out all the cozy flavors.
- Milk: Just a splash brings the frosting to silky perfection.
- Optional caramel sauce: For drizzling over the top and taking things to the next level of decadence.
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight
Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This not only keeps things tidy but also ensures perfectly shaped cupcakes every time. The anticipation builds as the kitchen starts to fill with the promise of something sweet!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Follow the instructions on your box of yellow cake mix, combining the required eggs, water, and oil. Stir just until everything is incorporated; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. You’ll notice the batter looking sunny and smooth, already hinting at the softness to come.
Step 3: Fill and Flavor
Spoon the cupcake batter into each liner, filling them about two-thirds full. In a small bowl, gently toss the chopped apple pie filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This quick step layers extra depth and that classic apple pie zing. Next, add a generous heaping teaspoon of the apple mixture right into the center of each cupcake. Don’t push it all the way down—let it nestle in and partly rise as the cake bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know the Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight are ready when their tops look golden and a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the apple center) comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan to lock in their signature softness. Now’s the hardest step: resisting the urge to sneak a taste!
Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, grab a medium bowl and beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, whipping until the frosting is pillowy and light enough to swirl. If you want even more apple-pie-inspired flavor, try mixing in a tiny pinch of cinnamon too.
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Once the Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight are completely cool, spread or pipe generous swirls of that homemade buttercream over each one. For a final flourish, drizzle with caramel sauce and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle on crushed graham crackers or pie crust crumbs. Each cupcake is a work of edible art, ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight
Garnishes
These cupcakes love a little extra attention—try a light drizzle of caramel sauce, a dusting of cinnamon, or a shower of graham cracker crumbs. If you want to really impress, nestle a mini apple slice or cinnamon stick into the frosting for that special bakery-style finish. Every detail adds a burst of flavor and a touch of fun.
Side Dishes
While Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight are stars on their own, they mingle beautifully with vanilla ice cream, a mug of mulled cider, or a creamy latte. Serve them as part of a dessert board with sliced fresh apples, candied pecans, and bite-sized cookies to make every guest feel extra spoiled.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual tray: arrange your cupcakes on a tiered stand to create a show-stopping centerpiece, or pop each one in a decorative cupcake box for a sweet homemade gift. They’re also perfect for potlucks or picnics—just wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go snacking. No matter the occasion, these cupcakes always steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extras (unlikely, but possible!), store the Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors only seem to deepen overnight, making them just as irresistible with your morning coffee as they were fresh from the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their magic for up to three months. Just add the buttercream and caramel drizzle after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
Reheating
If you prefer your Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight slightly warm (and who wouldn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This softens the apple filling and gives the cake a bakery-fresh feel. If you’re reheating from frozen, let the cupcake thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently and frosting as desired.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade filling adds a lovely, personal touch. Just chop the apples finely and let them cool before using inside your cupcakes for that gooey, spiced center we all crave.
How do I make sure the apple filling doesn’t sink?
To keep the filling in the center, make sure your batter is thick enough and only spoon the apple mixture on top—don’t push it down. The cupcake will rise around it as it bakes, sealing in all that sweet goodness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten. The results are just as delightful and sure to please everyone at the table.
What’s the best way to frost these cupcakes?
Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip for a clean, bakery-style look, or simply spread a generous swoop of frosting with a spatula. Either way, don’t skimp—the fluffy buttercream is the finishing touch that makes these cupcakes irresistible.
Can I add nuts or extra spices?
Definitely! Fold in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts with the apple filling, or add an extra pinch of ginger, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon and nutmeg for more depth. Make these Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight truly your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect treat to brighten any table, look no further than Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight. Every bite is warm, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make you smile! Go ahead—share them with friends or keep them all to yourself. Either way, you’re in for something truly special.
Print
Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, in bite-sized form. With a moist cake base, a spiced apple pie filling, and a creamy frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for fall or any time you crave a taste of apple pie.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 cups apple pie filling (chopped into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions.
- Fill cupcake liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Prepare apple pie filling: In a small bowl, mix the chopped apple pie filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the apple mixture into the center of each cupcake.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the edge comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade apple pie filling or canned.
- For extra texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or pie crust crumbs on top of the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
