If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, you have to try this Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes combine the tender, moist texture of spiced apple batter with the luscious tang of cream cheese frosting, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a weekend indulgence, these cupcakes are irresistibly comforting and bursting with autumnal flavors that never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you’ll only need simple pantry staples that pack a punch in flavor, texture, and richness. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the spice of cinnamon that warms your palate to the creamy frosting that tops it all off beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cupcake and frosting, ensuring moistness and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cupcake’s structure, creating a light crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cupcakes rise perfectly and fluff up.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that wonderful warm spice essential to the apple cinnamon pairing.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: A blend that deepens flavor with caramel notes while adding sweetness.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, binding the cupcake ingredients together.
- Milk: Adds moisture to keep the cupcakes tender and soft.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brightens the flavor profile with a sweet, floral note.
- Large apple (peeled and finely chopped): Gives natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic apple texture.
- Cream cheese: Crucial for the tangy, smooth frosting that perfectly complements the cupcakes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal spreadable consistency.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that perfect frosting texture.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream the ½ cup unsalted butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, which usually takes about three to five minutes. This step is key for achieving a tender crumb and slightly caramelized flavor. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—this ensures even spice distribution throughout your batter.
Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This method prevents overmixing while creating a smooth batter. Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces. These little bursts of apple don’t just add natural sweetness—they create delightful pockets of juicy texture that elevate every bite.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This prevents overflow while giving each cupcake room to rise beautifully. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your delicious cream cheese topping.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat 1 cup room-temperature unsalted butter together with the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach a spreadable yet firm consistency. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon for an extra depth of flavor that mirrors the cupcakes’ spicy base. This frosting is the show-stopper of the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—silky, tangy, and just sweet enough to balance the cake.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Using a piping bag or a spatula, generously frost each cooled cupcake. If you want to add a bit of flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top or place a thin apple slice as a garnish. These little touches make the cupcakes even more inviting and delightful for any occasion.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe visually enticing, consider a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even tiny caramel drizzle lines. Fresh apple slices or chopped walnuts add a rustic, eye-catching finish that also adds texture. These garnishes don’t just look pretty; they enhance every bite with aromas and flavors that invite you to savor the cupcake even more.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich latte, making them ideal for cozy afternoons. For a brunch spread, serve alongside crisp apple slices, roasted nuts, or even a light fruit salad to brighten your table and balance the sweetness of the cupcakes. The contrast between warm cupcakes and fresh sides makes your dessert experience truly memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cupcakes in charming paper liners that match the season or occasion. You can also arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple wedges and cinnamon sticks for a more inviting display. For parties, consider a cupcake tower where each cupcake is decorated uniquely with edible glitter, mini apple-shaped toppers, or sugared cranberries to make every cupcake feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the frosting fresh and prevent drying out, refrigeration is best, where they will last for about 5 days. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and softness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cupcakes longer, they freeze beautifully. Either freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or freeze the frosted cupcakes in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and for best texture, allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm up the cupcakes and revive that freshly baked feeling, pop them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven wrapped loosely in foil for 5-10 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat as this can dry them out. Proper reheating brings back softness in the crumb and helps soften your cream cheese frosting for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will also work wonderfully depending on how sweet and moist you want your cupcakes.
Is there a way to make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting. Almond or oat milk can replace regular milk. The flavor will still be delightful with these tweaks.
Can I make the cupcakes without frosting?
Definitely! The cupcakes themselves are moist and flavorful. You might consider a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and apple juice for a lighter option.
How can I prevent the apple pieces from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the finely chopped apples with a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them throughout the cupcake and prevents sinking during baking.
What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?
Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or round tip for a classic swirl. For a rustic look, simply spread the frosting with a spatula. Both methods showcase the creamy texture deliciously.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making this Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. The combination of warm spices, tender apple, and tangy frosting is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share these gems with friends and family — once you do, your kitchen will be filled with the most wonderful aroma and happy smiles all around!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cupcakes, packed with finely chopped apples and warm cinnamon spices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, they are perfect for any occasion or cozy snack time.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams / 1 stick), softened
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder (1 gram)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams), room temperature
- â…“ cup milk (76 grams), room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams / 2 sticks), room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese (117 grams), room temperature and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar (452 grams)
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (5 grams)
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (43–57 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped peeled apple evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, beating until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is light and spreadable.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a spatula or piping bag to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese cinnamon frosting. Optionally, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top for garnish.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are finely chopped to prevent large chunks that could make cupcakes wet or uneven.
- Room temperature ingredients like eggs, milk, butter, and cream cheese help create a smooth batter and frosting.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture if desired.
