Apple cupcakes are a delightful and flavorful treat that captures the essence of autumn. These cupcakes are infused with the sweetness of apples, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, and topped with a buttery oat crumble. With a filling of tender cooked apples and a creamy brown sugar buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are a true celebration of the fall season.

The combination of apples and spices has long been a favorite flavor profile in baking, especially during the fall season when apples are abundant. The use of apples in desserts dates back centuries, with apple pies being a classic and beloved treat. Over time, the popularity of apples in baking extended to other baked goods, including cupcakes.

The apple cupcake recipe takes inspiration from traditional apple pies, incorporating the sweet and tart flavors of apples along with warm spices that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. With the addition of a buttery oat topping and a luscious brown sugar buttercream, these cupcakes elevate the classic apple dessert to a delightful and portable form.

INGREDIENTS

Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Filling:

• 2 apples, cored and cubed
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp all-purpose flour

Topping:

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Buttercream:

• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Filling:

1. In a small sauté pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and apples. Cook, stirring constantly, until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in the flour and cook for another minute or two. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Topping:

1. Combine all the topping ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Cupcakes:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and applesauce until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners. Add a bit of batter to the bottom of each liner, about 1/3 of the way. Evenly place the filling into each liner, then top with the remaining batter. This should make about 12 cupcakes. Spread the topping evenly onto each cupcake.
5. Place the cupcake tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Buttercream:

1. If decorating with buttercream, add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Cream the butter on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
2. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar and add the brown sugar.
3. Pour in the vanilla and heavy whipping cream, mixing until combined. Mix on medium/high speed until the frosting is whipped and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Decorate the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream frosting and serve.
5. Apple cupcakes are a delightful and delicious treat that brings the comforting flavors of fall to your dessert table. With their tender apple filling, buttery oat topping, and luscious brown sugar buttercream, these cupcakes are a delightful way to celebrate the season and enjoy the flavors of autumn. Enjoy them with family and friends during fall gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.