Name: Irresistible Apple Crumble Cupcakes: Your New Favorite!
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for apple filling); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for apple filling); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for apple filling); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for apple filling); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for apple filling slurry); 2 tablespoons cold water (for apple filling slurry); 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumble topping); 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumble topping); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (for cupcake batter); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (for cupcake batter); 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for cupcake batter); 1/4 teaspoon salt (for cupcake batter); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for cupcake batter); 1 cup granulated sugar (for cupcake batter); 2 large eggs (for cupcake batter); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for cupcake batter); 1/2 cup buttermilk (for cupcake batter); 1/4 cup whole milk (for cupcake batter); 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for buttercream); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for buttercream); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for buttercream); 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for buttercream); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)

Apple Crumble Cupcakes offer a truly enchanting twist on two beloved classics, bringing together the comforting warmth of a traditional apple crumble with the delightful portability of a cupcake. I’m absolutely thrilled to share this recipe with you, as it consistently brings smiles to every face it graces. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly moist, spiced cupcake, only to discover a tender, warmly spiced apple filling nestled within, all crowned with that irresistible, buttery, golden crumble topping we all adore.

A Beloved Classic, Reimagined for Delight

This ingenious fusion is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of cozy indulgence. While the classic apple crumble holds a special place in culinary history, particularly as a comforting staple in British homes, these individual treats elevate that experience. They provide all the nostalgic flavors you crave without the need for a fork and plate, making them ideal for gatherings, school lunches, or a simple, well-deserved treat. People adore these Apple Crumble Cupcakes not only for their innovative combination of textures – the soft cake, the tender fruit, and the crunchy topping – but also for the way they perfectly balance sweetness with a hint of tart apple. It’s truly a symphony of flavor in every bite!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples (about 300g), such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about ¼-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup (113g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Apple Crumble Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature (or homemade: ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk, at room temperature
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, as needed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

Prepare the Apples: First things first, let’s get those apples ready! Peel, core, and finely dice your chosen apples into small, uniform ¼-inch pieces. The smaller the dice, the more evenly they will cook and the better they will integrate into your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.
Sauté the Apples: In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir everything together to ensure the apples are well coated with the spices and sugar.
Cook Until Tender: Cook the apples for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened considerably but still retain a slight bite. You want them tender, not mushy. At this point, the mixture will be fragrant and delightful.
Add Lemon Juice and Thicken: Stir in the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This not only brightens the flavor but also helps prevent the apples from browning too much. Then, give your cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) a quick stir to re-combine, and pour it into the apple mixture. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, until the apple filling has thickened to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the apple filling to a shallow dish or plate. Spread it out to help it cool down quickly. It’s absolutely crucial that the apple filling is completely cooled to room temperature before incorporating it into the cupcakes or using it for assembly. Warm filling can melt your batter or frosting.

For the Crumble Topping:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar and that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, which you’ve cut into small cubes, to the dry ingredients. This step is key for achieving that wonderful crumbly texture.
Create the Crumble: Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two forks, work the butter into the flour mixture. You want to rub and pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tough crumble. The cold butter prevents it from melting too quickly and creates pockets of steam, resulting in a perfectly crisp topping for your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.
Chill the Crumble: Place the bowl with the crumble topping into the refrigerator while you prepare the cupcake batter. Chilling helps the butter stay firm, which in turn contributes to a crunchier topping when baked.

For the Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray the inside of the liners with non-stick cooking spray for extra insurance against sticking, especially if your liners are prone to it.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sifting the flour beforehand ensures a lighter, airier cupcake. Set this bowl aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the tender crumb of your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Start by adding about one-third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined. Then add half of the buttermilk and half of the whole milk, mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry mixture, followed by the remaining wet ingredients, and finally the last third of the dry mixture. Important: Mix only until just combined after each addition. Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. A regular ice cream scoop works wonderfully for this, ensuring consistent sizes.
Add Apple Filling: Take your completely cooled apple filling. Using a small spoon, gently drop about a tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each cupcake batter-filled liner. You can lightly swirl it into the batter with a toothpick, but it’s not strictly necessary. The goal is to have a little surprise of apple goodness in the middle of your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.
Top with Crumble: Retrieve your chilled crumble topping from the refrigerator. Generously sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of the crumble mixture over the top of each cupcake. Don’t be shy; this is where a lot of the delicious texture and flavor will come from!
Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake (avoiding the apple filling if possible, or ensuring it comes out clean after passing through the apple filling) comes out clean. The crumble topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the cupcake tops should spring back gently when lightly pressed.
Cool Completely: Allow the Apple Crumble Cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is absolutely essential that the cupcakes are fully cooled before you even think about frosting them, otherwise, your beautiful buttercream will melt into a messy puddle.

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream:

Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter for 3-5 minutes until it is very light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a smooth, airy buttercream for your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.
Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the 1 ½ cups of sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Start slowly to avoid a cloud of sugar! Once mostly combined, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Incorporate Liquids and Flavor: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk. Gradually add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency – it should be smooth, spreadable, and easy to pipe, yet firm enough to hold its shape. You may not need all 3 tablespoons, or you might need a touch more.
Beat Until Fluffy: Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes. This final beat will make the buttercream extra light, fluffy, and luscious, perfect for topping your Apple Crumble Cupcakes.

Assembling Your Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

Prepare for Frosting: Ensure your Apple Crumble Cupcakes are completely cool to the touch. This step truly cannot be overstated. If they are even slightly warm, your buttercream will melt.
Pipe the Buttercream: Transfer the brown sugar cinnamon buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your favorite piping tip (a large star tip or round tip works beautifully). If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off will do the trick, or simply use an offset spatula to spread it on. Pipe or spread a generous swirl of buttercream onto each cooled cupcake. Aim for an elegant swirl that cradles the topping you’ll add next.
Add Extra Crumble (Optional but Recommended!): For an extra flourish and delightful textural contrast, sprinkle a little bit of any remaining crumble topping (you might want to make extra just for this step!) or even a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon sugar over the top of the buttercream. This makes for a stunning presentation and adds to the “Apple Crumble Cupcakes” experience.
Serve and Enjoy: Your magnificent Apple Crumble Cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! They are best served fresh on the day they are made, allowing that crumble topping to retain its crispness. If storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days (bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture).

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious finale of our culinary journey together, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about these incredible treats. If there’s one recipe I could implore you to try, it would be this one. These aren’t just any cupcakes; they are a warm, comforting hug in cupcake form, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Imagine the crisp, buttery crumble topping, giving way to a tender, moist vanilla cake, all infused with the sweet, spiced warmth of softened apples. It’s the ultimate autumn sensation, yes, but honestly, its timeless appeal makes it perfect for any season, any gathering, or simply for a quiet moment of self-indulgence with a cup of tea or coffee.

What truly sets these apart, beyond their undeniable deliciousness, is the magic of transformation they offer. You’re not just baking; you’re crafting an experience. The aroma alone, as these bake, is enough to fill your home with an inviting, nostalgic warmth that will have everyone eagerly peeking into the kitchen. They strike that perfect balance: elegant enough for a special occasion, yet comforting and approachable for a casual get-together. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a cupcake that promises both the soft crumb of a cake and the satisfying crunch of a crumble? It’s a genius combination that brings two beloved desserts into one perfect, portable package. I genuinely believe that once you taste the delightful contrast and harmony of flavors in these, they will earn a permanent, cherished spot in your baking repertoire.

Now, while these Apple Crum extractble Cupcakes are absolutely divine on their own, fresh from the oven, I have a few suggestions to elevate your experience even further, or to simply offer some delightful variations. For an ultimate dessert experience, try serving them still slightly warm, perhaps with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream melting gently over the crumble. The cold creaminess against the warm, spiced apple and cake is nothing short of heavenly. A drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top before serving also adds another layer of complexity and texture that is simply irresistible. For a simple yet elegant touch, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar once they’ve cooled completely can make them look even more appealing.

Thinking about variations? While the apple is the star here, you could experiment with different apple varieties to achieve varying levels of tartness or sweetness in your filling. Granny Smiths offer a lovely tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will lend a sweeter, softer texture. For a slightly different spice profile, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a touch of allspice to your apple mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a very thin, simple cream cheese glaze can be piped over the crumble once cooled, offering a tangy counterpoint that some might adore. Or, for a truly decadent touch, try folding in some dried cranberries or a few white chocolate chips into the cake batter itself – just be sure not to overload it! These cupcakes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize them to your heart’s content while still maintaining that core, comforting goodness.

So, what are you waiting for? This is your sign, your invitation, your friendly nudge to preheat that oven and dive into the wonderful world of these fantastic cupcakes. I promise you, the joy of creating and then savoring these delicious bites is an experience you won’t regret. Don’t be shy; embrace the fun of baking something truly special. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? Please feel free to share your thoughts, your successes, and even your delicious photos. Your feedback and creativity inspire me, and I can’t wait to see the wonderful creations you’ll bring to life. Happy baking, everyone!