Apple pie cupcakes are the kind of dessert that instantly makes a kitchen smell warm and inviting. Imagine soft spiced cupcakes filled with a jammy apple compote, then topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting that looks like a tiny pie lattice. These cozy little cakes bring together the nostalgia of apple pie and the ease of cupcakes, making them perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or a treat to brighten your week. With each bite, you’ll get tender cake, spiced apples, and creamy frosting, all the best parts of autumn in one handheld dessert.
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Cupcakes
These apple pie cupcakes combine the comfort of a classic pie with the fun of cupcakes. Each one is filled with tender apple compote that mimics pie filling and then finished with frosting that balances sweet and spiced flavors. They’re festive enough for holiday tables but simple enough for weekend baking. Whether you love the taste of apple pie or just want a playful dessert, these cupcakes deliver a memorable bite every time.
Apple Pie Cupcakes Ingredients
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount & Notes |
|---|---|
| Tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) | 4 small, peeled and diced – hold their shape and give tangy flavor |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp – sweetens the apple filling with caramel notes |
| Cornstarch | 2 tsp – thickens the apple mixture into a jammy texture |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp (divided) – adds cozy spice to both cake and frosting |
| Cake flour | 1 ½ cups – creates a softer crumb than all-purpose flour |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp – helps the cupcakes rise evenly |
| Salt | ½ tsp – balances sweetness and enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup, softened – adds richness and structure |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup – sweetens and helps create a tender crumb |
| Eggs | 3 large – bind ingredients and add moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp – rounds out the flavor with warmth |
| Milk (dairy or non-dairy) | ⅔ cup – keeps the batter smooth and moist |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz, softened – base for the tangy frosting |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup – sweetens and stabilizes the frosting |
Substitutions for Spiced Apple Cupcakes
You can swap tart apples for sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji if you prefer a milder flavor. All-purpose flour works in place of cake flour, though the texture will be slightly denser. Dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk keep the cupcakes soft while making them suitable for non-dairy diets. For frosting, mascarpone can replace cream cheese for a silkier finish.
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Cupcakes
Time needed: 40 minutes
These steps guide you from cooking the spiced apple filling to baking moist cupcakes and topping them with cream cheese frosting for a cozy fall treat.
- Cook the Apple Filling
Simmer diced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a splash of water until tender and jam-like. Allow to cool before filling.
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Bake to Perfection
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth. Divide into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Let cool fully.
- Fill and Frost
Scoop out a small cavity from each cupcake, spoon in apple filling, and pipe cream cheese frosting on top in swirls or a pie lattice design.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pie Cupcakes
Chill the apple filling before spooning it into cupcakes so it doesn’t sink. Always start with room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter. Use a star piping tip for a pretty frosting border, or keep it simple with a knife spread. If making ahead, store unfrosted cupcakes separately and decorate before serving for the freshest look.
Variations & Substitutions
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF baking blend. To make dairy-free, swap in plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese. A vegan version can use flax eggs as a binder. Add a caramel drizzle for extra richness, or stir chopped pecans into the filling for crunch. You can even double the filling for extra gooey cupcakes if you love apple pie flavor.
Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes With
These cupcakes pair beautifully with hot apple cider, spiced chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party spread, serve them alongside pumpkin bread, chocolate brownies, or simple sugar cookies.
Storage & Reheat
Keep your apple pie cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy the best taste and texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. You can also freeze the cupcakes unfrosted for up to a month; thaw them overnight in the fridge and add the frosting just before serving. Cream cheese frosting is only safe at room temperature for up to two hours. For reliable guidance, see the CDC food safety hub and the USDA leftovers guide.
If you’d like more dessert storage ideas, check out our Apple Crumble Cheesecake or Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, both of which freeze beautifully. Balance out your dessert table with savory bites like Garlic Bread Rolls to your table spread.
Nutrition of Apple Pie Cupcakes
Each cupcake averages about 280 calories with 4g protein, 40g carbs, and 12g fat. The apple filling adds natural fiber and vitamin C, while the cream cheese frosting contributes calcium. For a deeper look at nutrition values and balanced eating, see the Nutrition.gov resource, maintained by NIH and USDA.
FAQs
They’re made with a spiced vanilla cupcake base, filled with an apple pie–style compote, and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The combination creates a handheld version of classic apple pie flavors.
Make sure the apple filling is cooked down and cooled before adding it, so it doesn’t release excess moisture. Also, avoid overbaking the cupcakes, as this can dry out the crumb.
Yes, canned or homemade pie filling works well. Just be sure it’s thickened enough to spoon into cupcakes without running out, and avoid using overly liquid fillings.
They last up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to a month and add frosting after thawing.
More Like This
If you loved these apple pie cupcakes, you’ll also enjoy our Apple Pecan Tart for another fruit-filled treat. For a light but elegant bite, try the Lemon Cakes Great Gatsby Recipe. Our Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe is moist and wholesome, while the Classic Pumpkin Roll adds a spiced holiday favorite to your dessert table.
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Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spiced cupcakes filled with apple compote and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 4 small tart apples, diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cook apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water until jammy.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix with dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake batter in lined muffin tins at 350°F for 20 minutes, then cool.
- Fill centers with apple compote and frost with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Chill filling before using. Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze unfrosted for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin this recipe to your favorite board, share it with friends, or bookmark it for your next baking day. Apple pie cupcakes are a treat you’ll come back to all season long.