Turn the classic cupcake into a fall favorite with our rendition of apple pie cupcakes. Filled with a sweet apple mixture and topped with cinnamon frosting, these cupcakes taste just like apple pie!
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Updated Sep. 23, 2024
Can’t decide between apple pie and cupcakes? Why choose when you can have both! Our Test Kitchen-approved apple pie cupcakes highlight the warmth of a slice of homemade apple pie and the comfort of biting into fluffy, freshly baked cupcakes.
Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales or just because, this recipe makes two dozen cupcakes in under an hour of prep and baking. Top them with a swirl of cinnamon frosting and you’ll be saying hello to your batch of new favorite fall treats.
Apple Pie Cupcakes Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: Box mix keeps things simple and provides the base for these delicious apple pie-stuffed cupcakes. For extra flavor, use a box of moist spice cake mix.
- Butter: Butter is in both the filling and frosting for richness and to help caramelize the apples.
- Apples: Tart apples such as Granny Smith work best, providing a balance to the sweet cake mix and frosting. While optional, thinly sliced apples can also be used in the frosting. Here’s our guide to the best apples for apple crisp.
- Brown sugar: This rich sugar sweetens the apple mixture while adding a deep caramel flavor.
- Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry helps thicken the apple pie filling.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet base for the cinnamon frosting. Here’s how to make powdered sugar with a blender.
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps achieve the right consistency for the frosting.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon: Vanilla extract and cinnamon are two flavorings used to enhance the classic apple pie flavor in the frosting. Here’s our guide to the best vanilla extract brands.
Directions
Step 1: Bake the cupcakes
Prepare and bake the yellow cake mix according to package directions for 24 cupcakes. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Step 2: Cook the apples
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and brown sugar, cooking and stirring until the apples are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: For a richer, more molasses-like flavor, use dark brown sugar in the filling.
Step 3: Make the apple pie filling
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the apple mixture. Bring to a boil and cook until the filling thickens, one to two minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Fill the cupcakes
Using a paring knife, cut out a 1-inch-wide cone-shaped piece from the top of each cupcake. Discard the removed portion. Fill each cavity with the cooled apple mixture.
Step 5: Make the frosting
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Frost the cupcakes
Generously frost each filled cupcake with the cinnamon frosting. If desired, garnish with thinly sliced fresh apples just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add a caramel drizzle: Top the frosted cupcakes with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- Make it nutty: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling to give these apple pie-filled cupcakes an added crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Make a cream cheese frosting: Swap the cinnamon frosting for a tangy cream cheese version instead.
How to Store Apple Pie Cupcakes
Store your apple pie cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best flavor, let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving.
Can you freeze apple pie cupcakes?
Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes and apple pie filling separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before filling and frosting.
Apple Pie Cupcakes Tips
What type of apples are best for apple pie cupcakes?
Tart apples such as Granny Smiths and Braeburn work well because they hold their shape during cooking and add a bright contrast to the sweetness of brown sugar.
Can I use canned apple pie filling in apple pie cupcakes?
While homemade filling provides the best and freshest taste, you can use canned apple pie filling in a pinch. Make sure to chop the apples into smaller pieces to make filling the cupcakes easier.
Can I use store-bought frosting for apple pie cupcakes?
Store-bought frosting will save time, but our recipe for homemade cinnamon frosting adds a more authentic, rich flavor to the apple pie-stuffed cupcakes.
How do you keep the apple slices from browning if used as a garnish?
To prevent the sliced apples from browning, toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water. Add them as a garnish just before serving the cupcakes for the freshest appearance.
Watch How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Yield
2 dozen
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 4 cups)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- FROSTING:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Thinly sliced apples, optional
Directions
- Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for 24 cupcakes; cool cupcakes completely.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples and brown sugar; cook and stir until apples are tender, 10-12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely.
- Using a paring knife, cut a 1-in.-wide cone-shaped piece from the top of each cupcake; discard removed portion. Fill cavity with apple mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the 5 frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost the cupcakes. If desired, top with apple slices to serve.
Nutrition Facts
1 cupcake: 300 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're equally delicious any other time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Recipe Creator
Community Cook
