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    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    18/09/2020 by thebakingexplorer 37 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    As soon as Autumn hits, I have apple crumble on my mind! These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are inspired by one of my favourite cold weather desserts. I would totally eat them on a summer's day too, but they are really perfect for the cooler months. The cupcake sponge is made with brown sugar and cinnamon, they're filled with spiced stewed apples, topped with sweet cinnamon buttercream, more delicious stewed apples, and filling a crunchy crumble topping! Trust me, the extra elements of the filling and crumble topping are SO worth it because these cupcakes taste incredible once everything comes together!

    This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information

    • Make sure all your ingredients (particularly the butter and eggs) are at room temperature before you start baking.
    • I used unsalted butter for the buttercream and the crumble topping, for the cupcakes I used a baking spread.
    • Mixed spice is a British spice blend containing Cinnamon, Coriander Seed, Nutmeg, Clove, Pimento, Ginger. If you can't get hold of it, use a Pumpkin Spice mix instead.
    • I really recommend using light brown soft sugar if you can, as it gives the cupcakes and the stewed apples a lovely caramel flavour. But if you can't get hold of it, you can use golden caster sugar or regular caster sugar (superfine sugar) instead.
    • I use a cupcake corer to make the hole in the centre of the cupcakes, you can also use the large circular end of a piping nozzle, or use a knife.
    • Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50) .
    • For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.

    For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

    How to make Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    Make the stewed apples and crumble topping first so that they can cool down. For the stewed apples, heat the apple, light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon and mixed spice in a pan on a low heat until soft. For the crumble topping, mix the ingredients together and spread out on a baking tray, bake until golden.

    For the cupcake sponge, mix together light brown sugar, butter and eggs, then add spices and self raising flour. Divide the batter into cupcake cases and bake them until golden.

    Using a cupcake corer or a knife, make a hole in each cupcake and fill them with some of the stewed apple. Top the cupcakes with cinnamon buttercream, then add more stewed apples, and finally sprinkle over the crumble topping.

    For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

    Click on the image to order your copy!
    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    What kind of apples should you use?

    I have used Jazz and Pink Lady apples to make these cupcakes, but any sweet eating apples will work.

    How long do the cupcakes last for and can they be frozen?

    The cupcakes will last for 2-3 days in an airtight container in a cool place. You can freeze both the cupcakes and the buttercream. To freeze them separately, wrap the cupcakes well in cling film or put them in an airtight container. The buttercream can be frozen in a sealed tub. To freeze them decorated, freeze the cupcakes on a plate until frozen solid, then carefully wrap in cling film. Remove the clingfilm when you take the cupcakes out of the freezer to defrost, as if they defrost with it still on it could damage the buttercream. You can also freeze the stewed apple in an airtight container. The crumble topping can be kept in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 days, and it can also be frozen on it's own.

    Can you make the cupcakes with plain/all purpose flour?

    Self raising flour, which is very commonly used in the UK where I am based, already contains a raising agent and a little salt too. Therefore if you want to swap it for plain or all purpose flour, you will need to add some additional baking powder and also a little salt if you like. Some people like to add salt to cake recipes and some don't, so I'll leave that up to you as it won't affect the bake. The general advice is to add 2 teaspoons baking powder (a measuring teaspoon, not the kind you stir your coffee with) per every 200g plain or all purpose flour. So for this recipe you'd need to add 1 + ¾ teaspoons baking powder. Please note, I have not tested this recipe using plain or all purpose flour.

    Can the cupcakes be made gluten or dairy free?

    Yes! For gluten free you can replace the self raising flour with a gluten free self raising flour blend. If you only have a gluten free plain flour blend, you will need to add baking powder. The general advice is to add 2 tsp baking powder per 200g flour, so for this recipe you'd need to add 1 + ¾ teaspoons baking powder. You may also like to add ¼ tsp Xantham Gum for better texture. For a dairy free version, use a dairy free baking spread for the cupcakes, the buttercream and the crumble topping.

    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    More tips for making the Apple Crumble Cupcakes:

    • The crumble is lovely and crunchy, but it will eventually go soft after being in contact with the moist buttercream and stewed apple. So sprinkle it on right before serving, or as close to serving as possible.
    • I used an Ateco 829 nozzle to pipe the buttercream onto the cupcakes, but you can use any nozzle you prefer or spread it on with a spoon.
    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    Troubleshooting

    If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!

    Recommended equipment & ingredients

    • Cupcake tin
    • Mixing bowls
    • Cooling rack
    • Kitchen scales
    • Piping bags
    • Electric hand mixer
    • Ateco 829 piping nozzle
    • Apple cutter
    • Cupcake corer

    I earn a small amount of money if you buy the products after clicking on the links. You will not be charged anything extra for this. Thank you for supporting The Baking Explorer!

    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

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    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    Apple Crumble Cupcakes

    Brown sugar and cinnamon cupcakes with a spiced apple filling, cinnamon buttercream and crunchy brown sugar crumble topping
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British
    Keyword: Cupcake
    Prep Time: 1 hour hour
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Author: thebakingexplorer

    Ingredients

    For the apple filling

    • 2 Apples medium sized, regular eating apples
    • 30 g Light brown soft sugar
    • ½ tsp Cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp Mixed spice
    • 1 tsp Cornflour (cornstarch)

    For the crumble topping

    • 10 g Butter unsalted
    • 8 g Light brown soft sugar
    • 17 g Plain flour
    • ⅛ tsp Cinnamon

    For the cupcakes

    • 175 g Butter or baking spread softened, unsalted
    • 175 g Light brown soft sugar
    • 3 Eggs large
    • 175 g Self raising flour
    • ½ tsp Cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp Mixed spice

    For the buttercream

    • 175 g Butter softened, unsalted
    • 350 g Icing sugar
    • 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
    • 2-3 tbsp Milk
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • To make the apple filling, peel and core the apples, then chop into small chunks. Add to a pan on a low heat along with the light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon and mixed spice. Stir everything together
    • Cover with a pan lid, and cook the apple for 10-15 minutes until soft
    • Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely
    • To make the crumble, pre-heat your oven to 180C Fan/200C/375F/Gas Mark 5, and line a baking tray with baking paper
    • Put the plain flour, light brown soft sugar and cinnamon into a bowl and stir together
    • Add the butter and use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a fork to do this
    • Spread it out onto a lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until it is golden and feels firmer to the touch (it will firm up more as it cools)
    • For the cupcakes, pre-heat your oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4, and line a cupcake tin with cupcake cases
    • To make the sponge, mix together the butter and sugar, ideally using an electric mixer, until smooth
    • Add the eggs and whisk well
    • Then gently whisk in the self raising flour, cinnamon and mixed spice
    • Divide the mixture between the 12 cupcake cases
    • Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and a skewer inserted in the centre of the cupcakes comes out clean. Leave to cool completely
    • Use a cupcake corer or a knife to make a hole in the middle of each cupcake
    • Fill the holes with the apple filling
    • Make the buttercream by mixing the butter on it's own for a few minutes, then add the cinnamon, icing sugar and milk, and mix until smooth. For best results use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. If the buttercream is too stiff you can add a little more milk
    • Pipe the buttercream onto each cupcake using a piping bag fitted with your chosen nozzle (I used an Ateco 829 nozzle). Or spread on with a spoon
    • Add the rest of the apple filling to the top of each of the cupcakes
    • Sprinkle the crumble over the top - or wait and do this later if not serving immediately as it will go softer from being in contact with the buttercream after a little while
    • Store in an airtight container in a cool place, eat leftovers within 3 days
    Made this recipe?Share on Instagram with me @TheBakingExplorer or tag #thebakingexplorer!

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure all your ingredients (particularly the butter and eggs) are at room temperature before you start baking.
    • I used unsalted butter for the buttercream and the crumble topping, for the cupcakes I used a baking spread.
    • Mixed spice is a British spice blend containing Cinnamon, Coriander Seed, Nutmeg, Clove, Pimento, Ginger. If you can't get hold of it, use a Pumpkin Spice mix instead.
    • I really recommend using light brown soft sugar if you can, as it gives the cupcakes and the stewed apples a lovely caramel flavour. But if you can't get hold of it, you can use golden caster sugar or regular caster sugar (superfine sugar) instead.
    • I use a cupcake corer to make the hole in the centre of the cupcakes, you can also use the large circular end of a piping nozzle, or use a knife.
    • Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50) .
    • For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 533kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 902IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

    If you like this, check out more of my Cupcake recipes!

    « Jaffa Cake Millionaire's Shortbread
    White Bread Loaf »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth Sachs

      September 18, 2020 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      My favourite dessert in cupcake form! Yes please #CookBlogShare

      Reply
    2. Jenny Walters

      September 18, 2020 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      You are an absolute genius! This is absolutely stunning and heavy on the cinnamon just as I like it. They would be my absolute choice of cupcake. Massive yum! Thank you for sharing them with #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • Aisha Ilyas

        November 02, 2021 at 2:17 pm

        5 stars
        Absolutely delicious recipe! I made these for my grandfather's birthday and everyone LOVED them so so much. I used Kat's cream cheese frosting recipe from her red velvet cupcakes recipe but just added some cinnamon to it. It went perfectly with the apple filling and the spiced brown sponge. The cupcakes were very moist and I'll definitely be making these again soon!

        Reply
    3. Corina

      September 18, 2020 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love anything with apple and cinnamon in and the crumble topping on these makes them really tempting too!

      Reply
    4. Natalie Mitchell

      September 19, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      Sounds delicious Kat. A lovely Autumn treat!

      Reply
    5. Saliha

      September 21, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      Can I use All-purpose flour instead of Self-raising flour?

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        September 21, 2020 at 8:09 pm

        Hi, you can but you will also need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cat | Curly's Cooking

      September 22, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic idea. The flavours are some of my favourites and I love the stewed apple filling. Delicious.

      Reply
    7. Rebecca - Glutarama

      September 25, 2020 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      I love this idea, crumble is my absolute fav pudding and cinnamon apple filled cupcakes in pure genius.

      Reply
    8. Claire Tipping

      October 25, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      Hi I've just made these as my 1st go of making cupcakes! They were beautiful but may piping was awful lol thank you for the recipe

      Reply
    9. Holly Newton

      November 06, 2020 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Omg these cupcakes!! I’m savouring this recipe for the rest of my life. Truly delicious.

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        November 06, 2020 at 9:15 pm

        Oh wow, thank you so much Holly!

        Reply
    10. Claire Tipping

      February 16, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      Hi I've made these before they came out lovely but I've made a cake with the same ingredients today I made a sponge and I used the apple filling inside the sponge and I topped the cake with the icing a few dollops of the apple filling then sprinkled the crumble mix all over it was beautiful

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        February 16, 2021 at 4:25 pm

        That sounds wonderful Claire!

        Reply
    11. Emma

      March 20, 2021 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      Super delicious and such a well written recipe to follow. I shared with friends and they all raved over how tasty these were. Ten out of ten, will be making again!

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        March 21, 2021 at 9:09 pm

        Thank you so much Emma! That really means a lot to me 🙂

        Reply
    12. Jennifer

      September 23, 2021 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      Made these this morning!!! They were perfect 🙂 I’ll tag you in my Instagram post. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        September 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        I'm so happy you liked them Jennifer!!

        Reply
        • Chris

          May 05, 2023 at 1:28 pm

          I have lots of stewed cooking apples in the freezer - could I use those? With a bit extra sugar?

          Reply
          • thebakingexplorer

            May 05, 2023 at 7:24 pm

            Yes for sure!

            Reply
    13. Julia

      September 26, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Made these cupcakes for my office party and they were a huge hit!!! I used a mini cupcake pan so I adjusted the oven temp to 375 def F and baking time to 14-15 mins. They were absolutely delicious! Highly recommend this recipe for the perfect fall dessert!

      Reply
    14. Vivien

      November 11, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious. I have made these cupcakes twice snd they are just so perfect 🍎🍏

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        November 11, 2021 at 11:32 pm

        Thank you so much Vivien!

        Reply
    15. beverley johns

      December 09, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      These apple crumble cupcakes are amazing.the stewed apple and spices set the butter icing off perfect.It goes together so well and compliments the sponge.Great cupcake
      I even had friends who don't like fruit eat them saying they are perfect

      Reply
    16. Paige

      January 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      I made these gluten free and they were ausome.
      My mom loved them even though she doesn't
      like cake! By the way I am 11.

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        January 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm

        I'm so happy your mum enjoyed them Paige! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback 😀

        Reply
    17. Kim

      September 24, 2022 at 2:43 pm

      I am SO excited to make these 😍My only question is, I’m vegetarian. What can I use to substitute baking spread?

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        September 24, 2022 at 6:39 pm

        Hi Kim, I'm vegetarian too and baking spread is vegetarian. It's very unlikely it wouldn't be, but always check the label. Let me know how you get on baking the cakes!

        Reply
    18. Jess

      November 20, 2022 at 6:50 am

      If I need to convert the grams into cups it says online that conversion isn’t so plain cut that it all depends on the ingredient being converted.
      Any suggestions on the best way to do this?
      Or how you measure out grams?

      Sorry, I’m from the States and would really enjoy making your recipe but have never measured anything by grams. Ty

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        November 20, 2022 at 2:13 pm

        Hi Jess, underneath the list of ingredients, click "US customary" and it will display the cup conversion. I do however always recommend using digital scales and measuring with grams for accuracy if you can.

        Reply
    19. Amy

      November 24, 2022 at 11:48 pm

      5 stars
      I made these for Thanksgiving this year. They were a hit and absolutely delicious. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    20. Mia

      March 06, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      Hi there, can I substitute the light brown sugar for the dark brown soft sugar, as this is the only one I have in the house at the moment.

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        March 06, 2023 at 4:45 pm

        Hi Mia, yes you can, but it will make everything darker in colour.

        Reply
    21. June Antoszkiw

      March 08, 2023 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing flavours especially the spiced apple filling….another favourite

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        March 09, 2023 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks so much June!

        Reply
    22. Lalita

      April 05, 2023 at 10:18 am

      hey there 🙂 we don’t get the spice mix here in Australia, is there anything else i can use instead? Thank you so much

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        April 05, 2023 at 3:46 pm

        Hi, you can use a Pumpkin Spice mix instead, or a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.

        Reply

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