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Apple Crumble Cupcakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 41 reviews

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes capture the essence of fall with tender cupcake batter, spiced apple filling, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect as a cozy dessert or sweet treat, each cupcake boasts layers of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and tangy apples, finished with optional caramel drizzle and powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Crumble Topping

  • 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

Apple Filling

  • 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

Cupcake Batter

  • 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

Garnish (Optional)

  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate to keep cold until ready to assemble.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir until all the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
  6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or yogurt with milk for a smooth, tangy component to the batter.
  7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cupcakes tender.
  8. Assemble the Cupcakes: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cupcake batter into each liner to create a base. Add about 2 tablespoons of the spiced apple filling on top of the batter in each liner. Finally, sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the apple filling for a crunchy texture.
  9. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Garnish (Optional): Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the cupcakes and/or dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch and sweet finish.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji to balance the sweetness.
  • Keep the butter cold when making the crumble topping for better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure moist and tender cupcakes.
  • Sour cream or plain yogurt can be used interchangeably to add moisture and slight tang.
  • Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving for a fresh-baked feel.

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

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/apple-crumble-cupcakes-the-perfect-fall-dessert-recipe/