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Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
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Moist apple pie cupcakes infused with cinnamon and tender apple chunks, topped with a rich and tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. These bite-sized treats bring all the warm, cozy flavors of classic apple pie into a perfectly spiced dessert suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Sugars and Fats

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk

Main Flavor Ingredient

  • 2 to 3 fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop 2 to 3 fresh apples into small bite-sized pieces for even distribution and juicy bursts in each cupcake.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure even seasoning and a lump-free batter.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and aerated to create a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, then add vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined to add richness and structure.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter and maintain tenderness.
  6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to evenly distribute without crushing the pieces.
  7. Bake the Cupcakes: Evenly divide the batter into lined cupcake tins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, then whip until fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Frost and Decorate: Pipe or spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over cooled cupcakes using a piping bag with your favorite tip or a spatula.

Notes

  • Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced flavor and firmness.
  • Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep cupcakes tender.
  • If frosting becomes too soft, chill briefly to make piping easier.
  • Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to evenly portion batter for uniform cupcakes.
  • Check cupcakes for doneness a few minutes before the end of baking time to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cupcakes, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, bite-sized treats, spiced cupcakes, moist apple cupcakes

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/apple-pie-cupcakes-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting/