
Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy Fall Dessert
Introduction
Bring the warm, comforting flavors of fall to your table with these Apple Spice Cupcakes! Infused with cinnamon, topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, and crowned with a luscious apple filling, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200g cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Fill the cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fully combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes
- Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
- Fill the hollowed-out center with a spoonful of the apple filling.
- Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
- Garnish with a small scoop of apple filling or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative finish.
Pro Tips
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter for extra fall flavor.
- Storage: Store the assembled cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Optional Topping: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
Conclusion
These Apple Spice Cupcakes are a delightful combination of warm spices, sweet apple filling, and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall festivities, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Bake a batch today and savor the cozy flavors of the season!
Meta Description
Try these Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! A soft spiced cupcake base, apple filling, and creamy frosting make this the ultimate fall dessert.