Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: 6 Pro Secrets

Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon warming a kitchen. It evokes memories of crisp fall days, cozy sweaters, and the simple joy of sharing something homemade. Today, we’re going to dive into a recipe that perfectly captures that feeling: light, fluffy Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Get ready to bake a little piece of comfort and happiness!

Why Make This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: Sweet apples and warm cinnamon perfectly complement rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to fresh apple pieces and a thoughtful recipe, these cupcakes are always incredibly moist and tender.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for a special occasion, a gathering with friends, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes impress everyone.
• Relatively Simple to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile for Any Season: While they sing of autumn, these cupcakes are delicious year-round, bringing a touch of cozy warmth whenever you crave it.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe makes delicious cupcakes in a few easy steps. You will mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. After baking the cupcakes, you will make the frosting and then put it on top.

Ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes
* All-purpose flour
* Granulated sugar
* Light brown sugar, packed
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Ground cinnamon
* Ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
* Salt
* Unsalted butter, softened
* Large eggs
* Milk (whole or 2%)
* Vanilla extract
* Fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (e.g., Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting
* Cream cheese, softened
* Unsalted butter, softened
* Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
* Vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

Directions of Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the finely diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill Muffin Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before frosting!

Crafting the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. Flavor & Finish: Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Assembly & Enjoyment

• Once the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously using a spatula or piping bag.
• Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a tiny apple slice, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Classic Treat: Serve simply with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange alongside other seasonal treats like pecan bars or pumpkin cookies for a festive spread.
• Brunch Addition: These cupcakes make a wonderful sweet complement to a weekend brunch menu.
• Edible Gift: Package a few Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes in a pretty box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store these Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors become even better on the second day.

Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This gives the best texture for both the cupcakes and the frosting.
• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter makes tough cupcakes. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cool Completely: Frosting warm cupcakes results in melted, messy frosting. Be patient and let them cool entirely.
• Apple Choice: Firmer, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best. They hold their shape and flavor during baking.

Variations to Try

Spiced Up Cupcakes
* Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the cupcake batter for extra warmth.
* Mix a teaspoon of finely chopped candied ginger into the apple mixture.

Nutty Twist
* Fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the diced apples for added crunch.

Caramel Apple Delight
* Drizzle a little homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes before serving.

Glaze Instead of Frosting
* For a lighter touch, skip the cream cheese frosting and opt for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla or apple cider.

FAQs

Q1: How long do Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting last?
A1: These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. The flavors tend to meld beautifully on the second day!

Q2: Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Bake the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container. Prepare the cream cheese frosting, store it separately in the refrigerator, and then frost the cupcakes just before serving for the freshest result.

Q3: What kind of apples are best for Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes?
A3: For the best Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes, use firm, crisp apples. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweet and tartness. Great choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter cupcake.

Classic Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These classic apple cinnamon cupcakes are bursting with warm spices and tender apple pieces, perfectly complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. An ideal treat for any occasion, they are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings 12 cupcakes

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack
• Spatula or piping bag

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk whole or 2%
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh apples peeled, cored, and finely diced (e.g., Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ stick, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• salt Pinch

Instructions

 

Cupcake Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy with an electric mixer, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined without overmixing.
• Gently fold in the finely diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium speed until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with milk or more powdered sugar if needed.

Assembly and Storage

• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously using a spatula or piping bag.
• Serve the cupcakes simply with a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert platter.
• Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Notes

Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. For best results, use good quality baking apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. You can adjust the frosting consistency by adding a tiny splash of milk or a bit more powdered sugar.