Apple crumble cupcakes are a delightful blend of soft, moist cupcake and the warm, comforting flavors of apple crumble. When fall arrives, the desire for cozy desserts grows strong. These cupcakes give you the best of both worlds! Each bite brings a taste of sweet spiced apples with a crispy crumble on top. They are perfect for any fall gathering or simply enjoyed at home with a cup of tea or coffee. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you may already have, baking these cupcakes can be fun and rewarding. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe and discover why apple crumble cupcakes are sure to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Cupcakes

These apple crumble cupcakes are not just dessert; they are a cozy experience. The blend of soft cupcake, spiced apples, and crunchy topping will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. They are easy to make, so you don’t need to be a skilled baker to impress your family and friends. Plus, they smell heavenly while baking. Drizzling caramel sauce before serving adds a touch of sweetness that will make these cupcakes standout. Whether it’s a fall celebration or a treat for yourself, apple crumble cupcakes are warm, inviting, and timelessly delicious.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4 cup milk
Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate.

Make the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir until evenly coated. Set aside.

Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt) and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Assemble and Bake: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cupcake batter into each cupcake liner. Top each cupcake with about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Garnish (Optional): Drizzle with caramel sauce and/or dust with powdered sugar.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes warm for the best flavor. Drizzle that luscious caramel sauce over the top and add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. They make for a delightful dessert at gatherings or a sweet treat for afternoon tea. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

How to Store Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Keep these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Cupcakes

To ensure the best flavor, use fresh apples that are sweet and crisp. Mixing different apple varieties can give a depth of flavor. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy. If you prefer extra crunch, add some chopped nuts to the crumble topping. Lastly, enjoy these cupcakes fresh for a taste that can’t be beaten!

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with the recipe! You can add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for added texture and flavor. For a different twist, substitute pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping. You could even try using spiced rum or maple syrup in the batter for a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any sweet apple variety you like! Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best, but feel free to experiment.

Are these cupcakes gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping in advance and refrigerate them. However, it’s best to make the cupcake batter right before baking for best results.

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