Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Apple Pie Cupcakes combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. These moist, spiced cupcakes filled with apple filling and topped with cinnamon buttercream are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups apple filling (prepared separately or store-bought)
- 1 batch cinnamon buttercream frosting (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill with about 1-2 tablespoons of apple filling.
- Step 10: Pipe or spread cinnamon buttercream frosting over the filled cupcakes.
- Step 11: Optionally, top with a small amount of the apple filling for garnish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling before using it as a cupcake center.
- Use spiced or caramel apple filling for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier crumb.
- Try a cream cheese frosting instead of cinnamon buttercream for a tangy twist.
Storage
Store the apple pie cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving. If frosted, store in the fridge to preserve the frosting.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the apple filling and frosting ahead of time?
Yes, both the apple filling and cinnamon buttercream frosting can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature before using.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from drying out?
Be careful not to overbake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container. Adding a moist filling like the apple filling also helps keep the cupcakes moist inside.
Print
Apple Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cupcakes, a perfect fusion of classic apple pie flavors baked into moist cupcakes and topped with luscious cinnamon buttercream frosting. Each cupcake is filled with sweet apple filling for an irresistible treat that captures the essence of homemade apple pie in a convenient and fun-to-eat form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups apple filling (prepared separately or store-bought)
- 1 batch cinnamon buttercream frosting (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes for a smooth and aerated base.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for filling.
- Core and fill: Once cooled, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the hollowed space with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling to add a bursting apple flavor inside.
- Frost the cupcakes: Pipe or spread the cinnamon buttercream frosting over the filled cupcakes, covering the apple filling and enhancing the taste.
- Garnish: Optionally, top each cupcake with a small amount of apple filling for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare apple filling and cinnamon buttercream frosting ahead of time to streamline the cupcake assembly process.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep your cupcakes light and tender.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
- Substitute whole milk with any milk of choice for dietary preferences, though whole milk adds richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Pie Cupcakes, cinnamon buttercream, apple filling, fall dessert, cupcake recipe, homemade cupcakes, easy dessert

