Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting: A Fall Favorite

Introduction

Bring the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen with these Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes! These moist and flavorful cupcakes are infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. To elevate the dessert, a gooey apple filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a comforting dessert at home, these cupcakes are easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) milk

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, diced)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200g cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy and light.

4. Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Use a small knife or cupcake corer to hollow out the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill the cavity with a spoonful of apple filling.
3. Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of the cupcakes.
4. Garnish with additional apple filling or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.

Pro Tips

• Fresh Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to balance the sweetness of the filling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Optional Extras: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. From the moist spiced cupcake to the creamy frosting and juicy apple filling, every bite is a delightful experience. Try this easy recipe and treat your loved ones to a cozy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for the season!

Meta Description

Learn how to make Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! This recipe features spiced cupcakes, gooey apple filling, and a creamy frosting that’s perfect for fall.