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Hold up! These apple pie cupcakes are a delicious combination of the perfect vanilla cupcake and spiced apple pie. It’s homemade apple pie in cupcake form! They include a creamy, light buttercream (with a hint of cinnamon spice), fluffy and moist vanilla sponge, and cool and stuffed with a sweet apple pie filling. These are semi-homemade cupcakes that will have your guests begging for the recipe. I love serving these fruit filled cupcakes as a handheld dessert or a little partner to coffee.
Make my easy apple pie cupcakes for the perfect holiday treat. Bite into layers of soft sponge cake, whippy buttercream and sweet apple pie filling.
If you like these apple-filled cupcakes, also try my apple caramel pretzel snacks, this cheesecake apple pie dip, or an apple sheet cake recipe.
Why You’ll Love It
A yummy duo: An apple pie cupcake combines the best of bits of a cupcake and an apple pie into one delicious treat.
The most incredible texture and flavor balance: Moist, fluffy cupcakes filled with sweet, spiced apple pie filling.
Ultra simple to make: It’s easy but tastes like homemade apple pie without the extra effort. I love that it uses box cake, so I don’t need to measure flour, baking powder, etc.
Great for any occasion: These work for any gathering, from casual to special events.
Apple Pie Cupcake Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Yellow cake mix: This forms the base of the cupcakes, offering a soft, tender crumb with a mild flavor that allows the apple pie filling to shine.
Apple pie filling: Canned apple pie filling adds convenience and delivers perfectly spiced, tender apples. You could also make your own with dessert or granny smith apples.
Softened unsalted butter: Great for creating a rich, creamy frosting and adding moisture and flavor to the cupcakes.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to complement the apples and enhances the warm, cozy flavors in the recipe.
Cinnamon: A key spice that brings warmth to both the cupcakes and frosting, perfect for highlighting the apple pie essence.
Vanilla: Adds a smooth, sweet note that rounds out the cupcakes and frosting flavors.
Powdered sugar: The foundation of the frosting, giving it a smooth, sweet finish to complement the rich butter.
Milk: Helps achieve the right frosting consistency, ensuring it’s silky and spreadable.
How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Bake the cupcakes: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Make the batter and bake the cupcakes following the directions on the box. Let them cool completely.
Add the filling: Use a small knife or cupcake corer (I have this one!) to cut out the centers of each cupcake. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling into each hole, saving some for the topping.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl with a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar on low speed, then add the milk. Turn the mixer to medium and whip for 1 minute until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost and finish: Use a large frosting tip and plastic bag to frost the cupcakes. Add a teaspoon of apple pie filling on top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Substitutions and Variations
Cake mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix for a cozy cupcake batter.
Apple pie filling: Use homemade apple pie filling for a more personalized touch, or try other fruit fillings like cherry or peach for a twist.
Butter: For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based butter.
Brown sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Cinnamon: Mix in other warm spices, like nutmeg or allspice, for extra depth in flavor. If you have apple pie spice, use a premix.
Frosting: Try cream cheese or sour cream frosting on your apple cupcakes for a tangy twist, or use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Start with simple roasted party nuts, this recipe for maple turkey sliders or cranberry bites with brie.
Main: Serve classic ham with pineapple glaze or steaming sweet potato gnocchi.
Dessert: End on a high with a plate of my apple pie-stuffed cupcakes.
How to Store Apple Cupcakes
Store: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 or 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to add the filling and frosting fresh after thawing.
Thaw: Thaw them overnight in the fridge and assemble them.
Top Tips
Cool completely: Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before adding the filling or frosting to avoid melting.
Cut evenly: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to evenly remove the centers for consistent filling in every cupcake.
Thicken the frosting: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a little extra milk to reach the perfect texture.
Pipe neatly: Use a large piping tip for a professional-looking frosting swirl on top of each cupcake.
Customize the filling: Dice the apple pie filling into smaller pieces to make it easier to spoon into the cupcakes.
Extra spice: Don’t be shy with cinnamon – add a sprinkle on top of the frosting.
Balance the taste: Add some fresh lemon juice to the pie filling or buttercream to soften the sweetness in this recipe.
Apple Filled Cupcakes FAQs
Yes! Homemade apple pie filling works perfectly and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the cupcakes.
A small paring knife works great for cutting out the centers, or you can use the back of a piping tip to punch out the middle.
If your frosting is too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cupcakes Recipe
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Equipment
- Pastry Bag with Large Tip
Ingredients
- 1 Box yellow cake mix
- 3 Cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 Teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for topping
- 1 Cup butter, at room temperature
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 21 Ounces apple pie filling, canned
Instructions
- Set the oven to the temperature listed on the cake mix box. Fill a 12-muffin tin with cupcake liners. Make and bake the cupcakes as directed and then let them cool completely.
- Using a cupcake corer or paring knife, remove the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon a tablespoon of apple pie filling into each cupcake, saving some filling for the toppings.
- Using stand mixer, cream the brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Incorporate the powdered sugar slowly at a low speed.
- Add in the milk and keep mixing at a low speed. Increase the speed to medium and then whip the mixture for 1 minute or until the frosting is fluffy and light.
- Using a plastic bag with a large frosting tip, generously frost the cupcake tops. Add a teaspoon of apple pie filling on top of the frosting and sprinkle on some ground cinnamon.
Notes
Cut evenly: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to evenly remove the centers for consistent filling in every cupcake.
Thicken the frosting: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a little extra milk to reach the perfect texture.
Pipe neatly: Use a large piping tip for a professional-looking frosting swirl on top of each cupcake.
Customize the filling: Dice the apple pie filling into smaller pieces to make it easier to spoon into the cupcakes.
Extra spice: Don’t be shy with cinnamon – add a sprinkle on top of the frosting.
Balance the taste: Add some fresh lemon juice to the pie filling or buttercream to soften the sweetness in this recipe.
Nutrition
Apple pie cupcakes are the ultimate fusion of a classic vanilla cupcake and a spiced apple pie! They feature a fluffy, moist vanilla sponge, a creamy buttercream with a hint of cinnamon, and a sweet, flavorful apple pie filling with just the right amount of bite. These easy-to-make treats will have your guests asking for the recipe. They’re perfect as a handheld dessert or a delightful sidekick to a cup of coffee.
Other Apple Recipes to Try
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple Bisquick apple cobbler, a comforting dessert that blends soft apples with a buttery biscuit topping.
- Get ready for a cozy twist on a classic dish with these slow cooker apple pie baked beans.
- Elevate your party game with these fun and festive apple pie jello shots.
- This campfire apple crisp is the ultimate outdoor dessert.
- Start your day off right with this hearty apple, gouda, and sausage breakfast casserole.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These cupcakes are incredible! The apple pie filling was such a delightful surprise.
Those apple pie cupcakes are a total game changer! The combo of vanilla and spiced apple pie is just heavenly. I can’t wait to make them again!