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Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Apple Crumble Cupcakes are soft, tender cupcakes bursting with warm, spiced apple goodness, topped with a crunchy buttery crumble. Perfectly capturing the essence of fall, these cupcakes combine the charm of traditional apple crumble with the fun and convenience of cupcakes, making them ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely chopped

Crumble Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop your apples so they can evenly distribute throughout the cupcake batter, allowing every bite to burst with sweet, tart apple pieces.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand beaters, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a tender crumb and helps cupcakes rise.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic depth that complements the apples perfectly.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients, to keep the batter smooth and evenly mixed.
  6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold chopped apples into the batter, spreading them evenly without overmixing to maintain a light texture.
  7. Prepare Crumble Topping: Mix cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon using your fingers until crumbly; this topping will bake into a crunchy, buttery crust on each cupcake.
  8. Fill Cupcake Liners and Add Topping: Spoon batter into liners about two-thirds full, then sprinkle generous amounts of crumble on top before baking for the perfect contrast.
  9. Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then allow cupcakes to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh apples for the best texture and flavor compared to canned or frozen.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and avoid toughness.
  • Keep butter cold when preparing the crumble topping to ensure a crispier texture.
  • Test cupcake doneness with a toothpick without frequently opening the oven to maintain heat.
  • Cool cupcakes in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent sinking or breaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crumble cupcakes, fall dessert, spiced apple cupcakes, crumble topping, fall baking