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Apple Pie Cupcakes topped with swirled frosting and diced apple pieces are arranged on a wooden platter, with a sliced green apple in the foreground.

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes are such a fun way to bring the comfort of pie to the table without the hassle of rolling out a crust. They’re simple to put together, yet they look and feel like something you’d pick up from a bakery. They work just as well for family dinners as they do for potlucks, parties, or game day spreads because they’re easy to grab and share. You can even bake the bases ahead and freeze them, then add the filling and frosting when it’s time to serve.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Pie Cupcakes
Servings: 12
Calories: 498kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Set the oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box. Fill a standard 12-muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare and bake the cupcakes as directed. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
    1 box yellow cake mix
  • Using a paring knife or cupcake corer, remove the centers of the cupcakes. Then, spoon 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling into each cupcake. Be sure to save some filling for the toppings!
    1 can apple pie filling
  • Using a stand mixer and a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar on a low speed. Then add in the milk as the mixer continues on a low speed. Increase the mixer speed to medium and whip for 1 minute until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
    1 cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk
  • Using a large frosting tip and plastic bag, generously frost the tops of the cupcakes. Then, place 1 teaspoon of apple pie filling atop the frosting and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Notes

  • Make Your Own Apple Pie Filling: You can use a homemade apple mixture instead of canned pie filling for a fresher flavor, and choose tart apples like Granny Smith apples to keep the balance.
  • Thicken with Cornstarch or Flour: Stir cornstarch into a homemade apple filling to thicken it, or swap the box mix with all-purpose flour and eggs in a homemade batter for a denser texture.
  • Enhance with Spices and Nutmeg: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the frosting or apple mixture to deepen the apple pie flavor.
  • Balance with Salt or Lemon Juice: Add a pinch of salt to the buttercream frosting to sharpen the sweetness, or add a splash of lemon juice to the apple mixture to cut the sugar and brighten the flavor.
  • Swap Milk with Cream: Replace the milk in the buttercream with whipping cream to make it richer, or with heavy cream to make it sturdier and easier to pipe.
  • Add More Tang: Swap the buttercream with cream cheese frosting to give the cupcakes a tangy twist that pairs well with the apples.
  • Chill if Needed: Place the frosting in the fridge for a short time if it feels too soft before piping.
  • Sprinkle Last: Dust the cinnamon powder at the very end so it shows up clearly on the frosting instead of getting absorbed into the buttercream.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 463mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg
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