Apple Pie Cupcake
These charming apple cupcakes are a sweet twist on a classic dessert, decorated to look just like mini apple pies! The vanilla buttercream is piped into a lattice and crust design, giving each cupcake that homemade pie look. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling peeks through the delicate buttercream lattice, adding a touch of nostalgia to every bite. It's the perfect combination of fluffy cupcake, creamy frosting, and gooey apple goodness – a treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
- 190g all-purpose flour
- 150g granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 180g sour cream
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, diced (about 300g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 70g granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 227g unsalted butter, softened
- 480g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
- Pinch of salt
- Brown gel color (optional for buttercream)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Combine diced apples, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened (about 4-5 minutes). Allow to cool completely.
2. Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla paste until well combined.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
3. Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter.
- Add a spoonful of the apple filling to the center of each cupcake.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
4. Make the Vanilla Buttercream:
- Beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the cream/milk, vanilla paste, and salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Add brown gel color to the frosting if you want a more realistic "pie crust" look.
5. Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Optionally, you can spread a bit of the leftover apple filling on top of the cooled cupcakes before piping the buttercream.
- To create an "apple pie" effect, use a petal tip 101 to pipe a lattice pattern and an edge resembling pie crust.
6. For Visual Guidance:
- Check out the Instagram reel for step-by-step instructions on decorating these adorable apple pie cupcakes.
7. Enjoy!