Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, I find myself reaching for comforting treats that warm the soul. That’s where these Apple Crumble Cupcakes come into play—a delightful twist on a fall classic that you can enjoy in individual servings. With a moist, spiced cupcake base packed with tender apple filling and crowned with a crunchy, buttery crumble, these cupcakes perfectly capture the essence of autumn. Not only are they a visual treat for any gathering, but they also cater to dietary needs with easy adaptations for gluten-free and vegan diets. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply seeking a delicious afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll want to savor every last bite. Curious about how to make these comforting cupcakes? Let’s dive right in! Why You’ll Love Apple Crumble Cupcakes Deliciously Cozy: These cupcakes capture the essence of fall in every bite, delivering rich flavors that evoke a sense of comfort. Versatile Options: Perfect for everyone, you can easily adapt them to be gluten-free or vegan, ensuring no one misses out on this delicious treat. Effortless Preparation: Simple steps make the baking process a breeze, so even beginner bakers can indulge in homemade sweetness. Impressive Presentation: Perfectly portioned, they’re not only tasty but also beautifully crafted for gatherings or a personal afternoon treat. Mix and Match: Feel free to explore variations, such as adding nuts for a delightful crunch or experimenting with different apple varieties for unique flavors. Store with Ease: These cupcakes are perfect for meal prep—as they store well and freeze nicely, making them a convenient choice for whenever that sweet craving strikes. Apple Crumble Cupcake Ingredients • Ready to create the perfect fall dessert? Here’s what you’ll need. For the Cupcake Base All-Purpose Flour – Structure for cupcakes; substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. Ground Cinnamon – Flavor enhancer; optional to use other spices like ginger for variation. Ground Nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with a warm flavor; can omit or substitute with allspice. Granulated Sugar – Sweetness for the apple filling; brown sugar can enhance the flavor. Baking Powder/Soda & Salt – Leavening agents ensuring a light texture; they’re integral for rise and balance. Large Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; for vegan versions, replace with an egg replacer. Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall sweetness and flavor depth. Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt – Adds moisture and richness; use plant-based yogurt for vegan. Milk – Adds moisture; can be substituted with any non-dairy milk. For the Apple Filling Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji) – Primary flavor source; offers sweetness and moisture; any favorite apple variety may be used. Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors and prevents apple browning; can substitute with vinegar in a pinch. For the Crunchy Topping Unsalted Butter (Cold) – For crumble topping; provides richness and texture; use vegan butter for vegan adaptation. Additional Brown Sugar & Flour – Used in the topping mix to create the perfect crumble texture. Optional Garnishes Caramel Sauce – Drizzle for sweetness and decoration; an enticing addition to elevate the cupcake. Powdered Sugar – For optional dusting and added sweetness, enhancing the overall serve of the cupcake. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to bake up some delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes that’ll bring the cozy vibes of fall right to your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Crumble Cupcakes Step 1: Prepare Crumble Topping In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Cut in ½ cup of cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Once combined, refrigerate the topping for about 30 minutes while you move on to prepare the apple filling. Step 2: Make Apple Filling Peel, core, and dice 2 cups of your favorite apples into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors blend beautifully as you prepare the cupcake batter. Step 3: Prepare Cupcake Batter Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of cold unsalted butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar until fluffy and pale in color—usually about 3-4 minutes. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¾ cup of sour cream to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup of milk, until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your Apple Crumble Cupcakes light and tender. Step 5: Assembly Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared liners, filling each about halfway. Next, add a generous tablespoon of the apple filling on top of the batter in each liner, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over all the filled cupcakes, allowing it to clump beautifully for that perfect crunch. Step 6: Bake Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 7: Garnish (Optional) Once the Apple Crumble Cupcakes have cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and a beautiful finish. Serve these delightful treats warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall in every single bite! Apple Crumble Cupcakes Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these delightful treats to suit your palate! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously tender option everyone can enjoy. Vegan: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt and milk. Sugar-Free: Opt for a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener in both the cupcake and filling, ensuring a guilt-free treat. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warm, comforting spice. Nuts for Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for delightful texture and added flavor. Fruit Fusion: Swap apples for other fruits like pears or berries—each brings a unique twist to the classic flavor. Frosting Bonus: Top with cream cheese frosting instead of caramel for a decadent twist that’s sure to impress! Ice Cream Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Looking for more delicious ideas? You might love pairing these cupcakes with Honey Pineapple Salmon for a perfect fall meal, or perhaps try some Apple Cinnamon Kodiak delights for breakfast! Make Ahead Options These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeks! You can prepare the crumble topping (step 1) and the apple filling (step 2) up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to bake, mix the cupcake batter (step 3) and assemble the cupcakes (steps 4 and 5) just before serving. To maintain the bakery-fresh quality, be sure to store the crumble topping in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming soggy. Once baked, these delightful cupcakes keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to a month—just thaw before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste! Expert Tips for Apple Crumble Cupcakes Chill the Butter: Use cold butter for the crumble topping; it creates a flaky texture that’s hard to resist. Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to ensure your cupcakes remain tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense results. Choose Quality Apples: Opt for fresh, high-quality apples like Honeycrisp for maximum flavor. This choice elevates your Apple Crumble Cupcakes. Cool Before Garnishing: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding garnishes like caramel sauce or powdered sugar to prevent them from melting. Test for Doneness: Always check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are perfectly baked and ready to devour! How to Store and Freeze Apple Crumble Cupcakes Room Temperature: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and moistness. Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Freezer: These cupcakes freeze well for up to 1 month. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Enjoy them warm by popping them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving! What to Serve with Apple Crumble Cupcakes? As the aroma of warm apple and cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, these cupcakes can easily become the centerpiece of your dessert table. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm cupcakes, enhancing the flavor and providing a delightful contrast in temperatures. Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of sweetness, perfectly complementing the rich spiced cupcake and crunchy topping. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top elevates these cupcakes, bringing an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist. Hot Apple Cider: Serve with steaming cups of spiced apple cider for a cozy fall pairing, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for any gathering. Coffee or Tea: A rich cup of coffee or herbal tea balances the sweetness of the cupcakes, making it a delightful afternoon treat or an after-dinner dessert. Chopped Nuts: Offering a side of toasted walnuts or pecans provides crunchy texture contrast, enhancing the overall experience of the cupcake’s soft, tender interior. Indulge in these pairings and create a memorable dessert experience that celebrates the flavors of the season! Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right apples for my Apple Crumble Cupcakes? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are excellent choices due to their natural sweetness and ability to hold up during baking. Avoid mealy or overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy in your cupcakes. How should I store my Apple Crumble Cupcakes? Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and fresh. If you prefer a cooler option, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days—just remember to let them warm to room temperature before serving for the best taste! Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cupcakes? Absolutely! These cupcakes freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. What should I do if my crumble topping is too soggy? If your crumble topping ends up soggy, it may be due to overmixing or using warm butter. For a perfect crunch, make sure to use cold butter when mixing, and simply refrigerate the topping before adding it to the cupcakes. If you encounter a soggy mix, consider adding a bit more flour to absorb excess moisture before baking. Is there a way to make these Apple Crumble Cupcakes vegan? Yes! To make the cupcakes vegan, replace the large eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and use plant-based yogurt and milk. Additionally, switch to vegan butter for the crumble topping. These substitutions will keep your cupcakes just as tasty! Are Apple Crumble Cupcakes safe for pets? Very important! While apples are generally safe for dogs in moderation, the added sugars and toppings like caramel are not. It’s best to keep these delightful treats for human consumption only and avoid giving them to your pets. Always check for ingredient safety if you plan to share baked goods with furry friends! Irresistible Apple Crumble Cupcakes for Cozy Fall Days Delightful Apple Crumble Cupcakes are a cozy fall treat packed with tender apple filling and a crunchy topping. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 cupcakesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cupcake Base1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.½ cup Light Brown Sugar Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional to use other spices like ginger for variation.½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Can omit or substitute with allspice.¼ cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can enhance the flavor.1 teaspoon Baking Powder½ teaspoon Baking Soda1 pinch Salt2 large Eggs For vegan versions, replace with an egg replacer.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract¾ cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt Use plant-based yogurt for vegan.½ cup Milk Can be substituted with any non-dairy milk.For the Apple Filling2 cups Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji) Any favorite apple variety may be used.1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Can substitute with vinegar in a pinch.For the Crunchy Topping½ cup Unsalted Butter (Cold) Use vegan butter for vegan adaptation.1 cup Additional Brown Sugar1 cup FlourOptional GarnishesCaramel Sauce Drizzle for sweetness and decoration.Powdered Sugar For optional dusting and added sweetness. Equipment Muffin tinMixing bowlspastry cutterWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons Method Prepare Crumble ToppingIn a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Cut in ½ cup of cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.Make Apple FillingPeel, core, and dice 2 cups of apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss with ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour until well coated.Prepare Cupcake BatterPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of cold unsalted butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar until fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.Combine IngredientsAdd 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¾ cup of sour cream to the creamed mixture. Mix until smooth and gradually incorporate the dry mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk, until just combined.AssemblySpoon the batter into prepared liners, filling each halfway. Add a tablespoon of apple filling on top, then sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over all cupcakes.BakeBake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Garnish (Optional)Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cupcakes store well for up to 3 days at room temperature; refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
