Apple Pie Cupcakes: Tender cinnamon cupcakes filled with a bright, tart apple pie filling. All the warm flavors of apple pie, served in the palm of your hand.
Love cinnamon? Check my Cinnamon Fireball Cupcakes recipe.
Looking for something different for Thanksgiving dessert? These cupcakes are an easy, crowd-pleasing twist on classic apple pie.
Related: Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes.
Other treats you might like:
Pecan Pie Cheesecake, Pecan Pie Cake, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes, or Banana Pudding Cupcakes.
These Apple Pie Cupcakes capture the cozy flavor of homemade apple pie in a cupcake. The recipe below makes the cinnamon cupcakes, a fresh apple pie filling, and a simple buttercream frosting. If you’re short on time, boxed cake mix or canned filling will work fine and still taste great.
More Cupcakes To Try
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes | Reese’s Cupcakes | Guinness Cupcakes
📖 Recipe
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Butter Softened
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 ¾ Cups White Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Medium Apples Granny Smith suggested, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Water
For the Frosting
- 4 Sticks Butter Softened
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 6-8 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 5-6 Tablespoons Whole Milk
- Pinch of Salt To taste
- Caramel Sauce Optional
Instructions
For the Cupcakes
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in milk, eggs, cinnamon, baking powder, and vanilla.
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Gradually add the flour a little at a time until just combined; avoid overmixing.
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Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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When cool, cut a small circle from the center of each cupcake to create a cavity for the filling.
For the Filling
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
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Add the apples, white and brown sugars, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook 10–12 minutes or until the apples are tender.
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Stir the water and cornstarch together, add to the pan, and cook until the mixture thickens.
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Spoon about ½ tablespoon of filling into each cupcake cavity and replace the cut-out “lid.”
For the Frosting
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Beat the butter until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with milk, until you reach a smooth, pipeable consistency.
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Pipe or spread the frosting on each cupcake and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Apple Pie Cupcake Shopping Tips:
1. Boxed cake mix or canned apple pie filling will work in a pinch and cut prep time significantly.
2. Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream as an alternative to buttercream for a lighter finish.
Craving more apple desserts?
Caramel Apple Cheesecake with Blondie Crust
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Copycat Starbucks Apple Cider
Coffee Cupcake Recipe
What do you think of these Apple Pie Cupcakes? What are you planning for Thanksgiving dessert?
