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Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 140 reviews

If you adore the cozy flavors of fall in a delightful handheld treat, you’re going to absolutely love this Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe. Imagine biting into tender, spiced cupcakes bursting with juicy Granny Smith apple bits, topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble and finished with a luscious swirl of caramel-kissed frosting. It’s like having apple pie in cupcake form—perfect for sharing or savoring solo!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortless Autumn Indulgence: These cupcakes combine classic fall spices and fresh apples in a simple recipe that’s both cozy and fun to bake.
Textural Delight: The contrast between the soft cupcake, crunchy crumble, and creamy frosting keeps every bite interesting.
Showstopper Presentation: With a gorgeous swirl of cinnamon frosting, caramel drizzle, and a crisp apple slice, these cupcakes look as stunning as they taste.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive holiday, they’re perfect for sharing smiles and crumbs!

The image shows a close-up of a cupcake with its white wrapper peeled down around the base, revealing a light brown crumb with a soft texture. The cupcake is topped with a crumbly oat mixture layer that looks golden and slightly crunchy. Above this is a thick swirl of creamy off-white frosting with smooth peaks, drizzled with a thin orange sauce. A fresh green apple slice is placed leaning against the frosting on top. In the background, several similar cupcakes are softly focused, set on a white marbled surface, with a few green apple slices scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crumble Cupcakes, fall apple cupcakes, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple cupcakes, delicious apple crumble treats

Ingredients & Substitutions

What makes this Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe truly special is how the simple, everyday ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the sharp tang of Granny Smith apples, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, to the sweet buttery crumble and creamy frosting—the magic is in each element playing its part perfectly.

Flat lay of diced green Granny Smith apples, rolled oats, light brown sugar, golden crumble topping clusters, sticks of salted butter, a swirl of creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting, caramel sauce drizzles, and thinly sliced apple garnishes, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting textures and colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crumble Cupcakes, fall apple cupcakes, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple cupcakes, delicious apple crumble treats
  • Granny Smith apples: Their tartness adds brightness and moisture to the cupcakes without making them soggy.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: These classic spices bring in warm, autumnal notes that pair beautifully with the apples and caramel.
  • Salted butter: Using salted butter enhances the flavor balance, especially in the crumble and frosting.
  • Rolled oats: They add a subtle chew and rustic texture to the crumble topping, making it extra satisfying.
  • Caramel sauce: Adds a rich sweetness that ties the whole cupcake together with luxurious flair.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and lining a cupcake pan with liners—this is your blank canvas! Whisk together the dry ingredients carefully to spread the warming spices evenly throughout. Creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy is key for a tender crumb, followed by gently folding in your diced apples to add juicy surprise in every bite.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your liners, filling about two-thirds full to leave room for a nice rise. Bake until just golden and moist at the center. The lovely aroma wafting from your oven will tell you the cupcakes are almost ready to enjoy!

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Crumble Topping

While the cupcakes cool, mix up the crumble topping ingredients until clumps form and sprinkle oats evenly for that perfect rustic crunch. Baking the crumble separately until golden gives it an irresistible texture that will top your cupcakes beautifully.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cinnamon Caramel Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then add cinnamon and caramel for that luscious, inviting flavor. Gradually adding powdered sugar ensures your frosting is smooth, fluffy, and ready for piping—that’s the grand finale!

Step 5: Assemble Your Apple Crumble Cupcakes

Start with a thin layer of frosting on each cupcake to help the crumble stick. Give them a quick dip in the crumble topping for full coverage, then pipe a lovely swirl of frosting on top. A final drizzle of caramel sauce and a crisp apple slice turn these into show-stoppers ready for any occasion.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cupcake with three main layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown cupcake wrapped in a white paper liner. On top of the cupcake is a crumbly, crunchy oat topping with light brown color and some oat flakes visible. The next layer is a swirl of light beige frosting with a smooth, creamy texture. This frosting is decorated with a thin drizzle of caramel sauce, adding glossy orange-brown streaks. A fresh green apple slice is placed upright at the back of the frosting swirl, adding a fresh look with its bright green color. The cupcake is placed on a smooth white marble surface, with two more similar cupcakes blurred in the background and a bright green apple out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crumble Cupcakes, fall apple cupcakes, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple cupcakes, delicious apple crumble treats

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, thin apple slices add elegance and a fresh bite, while extra caramel drizzles enchant with sweet, gooey richness. A sprinkle of extra crumble on top can amp up the crunchy factor and make your cupcakes look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for extra indulgence. A warm cup of chai tea or rich coffee perfectly complements the spice and sweetness, creating a harmonious fall-inspired treat experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cupcakes into a festive cupcake tower for parties or stack them on pretty platters with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks as decoration. Alternatively, serve them in rustic paper cups with miniature wooden forks for a charming, rustic vibe that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your apple crumble cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration is okay for up to 5 days but may dry them out a little, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later for peak moistness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cupcakes unfrosted after they have cooled completely by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then frost and top with crumble, caramel, and apple slices fresh.

Reheating

To gently warm the cupcakes, place them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can affect texture. Warm cupcakes paired with cold frosting are a dreamy contrast to savor.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute the Granny Smith apples with another variety?

    Absolutely! Tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn work well to maintain that nice balance of sweet and tangy, but avoid super soft or very sweet apples as they can alter texture and flavor.

  2. Is it necessary to make the crumble topping separately?

    Yes, baking the crumble separately helps it become perfectly golden and crunchy. If you add it directly on top during cupcake baking, it might burn or stay too soft, missing that satisfying texture contrast.

  3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

    To tone down sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly, or add a small amount of cream cheese for a tangy balance. Just adjust gradually until you hit your preferred flavor.

  4. Can this Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe be made gluten-free?

    Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be a little different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way these Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe bring the essence of fall into a bite-sized treat—warming spices, juicy apples, crunchy topping, and creamy frosting all wrapped up in one. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon to fill your kitchen with that cozy aroma and delight everyone lucky enough to try them!

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Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

Apple Crumble Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes (cupcakes) + 16 minutes (crumble topping)
  • Total Time: 56 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Apple Crumble Cupcakes, featuring moist spiced cupcakes filled with diced Granny Smith apples, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, creamy caramel cinnamon frosting, and garnished with fresh apple slices and caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup peeled and finely diced Granny Smith apple

Crumble Topping

  • 1/2 cup (71g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats

Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons caramel sauce
  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar

Garnish

  • Extra caramel sauce
  • Thin apple slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-count cupcake pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine well. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smoothly combined. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the finely diced Granny Smith apples. Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Make the Crumble Topping: Increase oven temperature to 375°F (191°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms clumps, then add the rolled oats and gently toss to create a crumbly texture. Spread the crumble evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, use a spatula to toss the crumble to ensure even baking, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until golden brown. Break up any large clumps with a spoon and let cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Add cinnamon, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on medium speed until the buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. Transfer half the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  5. Assemble the Cupcakes: Spread a thin layer of cinnamon caramel buttercream onto each cooled cupcake. Dip the tops into the prepared crumble topping so it adheres to the frosting. Next, pipe a swirl of the remaining buttercream on top of the crumble using the star tip. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and garnish each cupcake with a thin apple slice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • To store: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life to 5 days but may cause dryness and density; best consumed within 2 days if refrigerated.
  • To freeze: After baking and cooling cupcakes completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting, adding the crumble topping, caramel drizzle, and apple garnish for best results.
  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness nicely.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain tender cupcakes.
  • Make sure crumble topping is fully cooled before applying to maintain its texture.
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