Name: Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that captures all the cozy, warm flavors of autumn, look no further than these Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe. Imagine tender, buttery cupcakes filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a crisp, buttery crumble that adds a delightful texture contrast. These cupcakes are the ideal way to enjoy the essence of fall in every bite, making them an instant favorite for family gatherings, parties, or simply a special treat to brighten your day.

Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together in harmony to deliver amazing flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the crisp apples adding juicy sweetness to the buttery crumble topping creating that perfect crunch.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to both the cupcake batter and crumble topping for a balanced texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes to the crumble topping, enhancing its caramel-like flavor.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Infuse both the apple filling and crumble with classic warm fall spices.
Cold unsalted butter: Essential for a flaky, crumbly topping and tender cupcakes.
Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji): Their natural sweetness and firmness hold up beautifully in the filling.
Granulated sugar: Balances tartness in apples and sweetens the cupcake batter perfectly.
Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and prevents browning.
Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cupcakes just the right lift and fluffiness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: Brings moisture and a slight tang for tender cupcakes.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
Caramel sauce and powdered sugar: Optional delights to elevate presentation and taste.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Start by whisking together flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Then, cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates the signature crumbly texture that crunches perfectly after baking. Cover the mixture and pop it into the fridge to keep the butter chilled and ready for topping your cupcakes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In another bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little flour. This coating not only flavors the apples but also helps thicken their natural juices during baking, keeping the filling wonderfully juicy without becoming soggy. Set aside so the spices meld beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl—this dry mix ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly. In a larger bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, then add eggs one by one, followed by vanilla extract for a fragrant base. Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients with a mixture of sour cream and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. This method creates a moist, tender crumb without overmixing.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Fill each cupcake liner with about 2 tablespoons of batter, then spoon 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle generously with the chilled crumble topping to form that inviting crunchy layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

These cupcakes shine beautifully when drizzled with warm caramel sauce right before serving—its sticky sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, mimicking a soft dusting of autumn frost that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Crumble Cupcakes with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess balances the warm spices and crunchy topping, turning each bite into a perfectly harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. For a cozy drink option, a cup of hot apple cider or chai tea complements the fall flavors impeccably.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or a cake stand adorned with autumn leaves for a festive touch. You can also place small caramel sauce bowls on the side for guests to drizzle as they please. For parties, garnish each cupcake with a tiny cinnamon stick or a thin slice of fresh apple for both aroma and style, making your Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe look as delightful as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving so that the flavors really pop.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm slightly in a microwave or oven.

Reheating

To revive the soft crumb and melt the buttery crumble just a bit, reheat cupcakes in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Serving warm enhances the comforting flavors that make Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe such a standout treat.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are great choices for their balance of sweetness and firmness, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Pink Lady for extra crispness.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure and keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.

Can I prepare the crumble topping or apple filling ahead of time?

You sure can! The crumble topping can be made and kept chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the apple filling can be assembled a few hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge to let the flavors intensify.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I use something else?

If sour cream is not available, plain yogurt is a fantastic substitute and works just as well to provide moisture and a subtle tang to the batter.

How should I adjust baking time if I make mini cupcakes instead?

For mini cupcakes, reduce the baking time to about 12–15 minutes and keep a close eye on them. Insert a toothpick to check doneness as they can bake faster due to smaller size.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and crumbly topping in these Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or a cozy Sunday treat, this recipe brings the spirit of fall right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these cupcakes, they’ll become your go-to dessert all season long!