There’s something so comforting about the combination of warm spiced apples, a crunchy crumble topping, and soft, fluffy cake. T
hese Apple Crumble Cupcakes bring together cozy flavors and delightful textures, making them perfect for gatherings or a sweet weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The apple filling is gently spiced with cinnamon and mixed spice for a warm, sweet flavor.
The crumble topping adds a crisp, buttery crunch to contrast the soft cupcake.
A smooth cinnamon buttercream ties everything together and makes each bite indulgent.
The recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients and creates a beautiful, bakery-style result.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Fresh apples cooked down with sugar and spice make a flavorful filling.
A simple crumble topping of butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon adds crisp texture.
The cupcake base is tender and fluffy thanks to butter, brown sugar, and self-raising flour.
Cinnamon buttercream adds a creamy, spiced finish and holds the topping beautifully.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Let the apple filling cool completely before using it to fill the cupcakes.
Use an electric mixer for a smoother, lighter cupcake batter and buttercream.
Add the crumble topping just before serving if you want it to stay crisp.
Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
How to Make Apple Crumble Cupcakes
Step 1 – Make the apple filling
Peel, core, and chop apples into small chunks.
Cook them with sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, and cornflour until soft.
Cool completely.
Step 2 – Prepare the crumble topping
Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then rub in butter until it looks like breadcrumbs.
Bake until golden and crisp.
Step 3 – Bake the cupcakes
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, then fold in flour and spices.
Bake until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 4 – Fill the cupcakes
Cut out the center of each cupcake and fill with the cooled apple mixture.
Step 5 – Make the buttercream
Whip butter until light, then mix in cinnamon, icing sugar, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Step 6 – Assemble
Pipe or spread buttercream on cupcakes, top with extra apple filling, and sprinkle with crumble.
What to Serve Them With
These cupcakes pair beautifully with hot coffee or spiced tea.
They also make a cozy dessert alongside vanilla ice cream.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap apples for pears for a different fruit filling.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangier finish.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the filled cupcakes (without crumble topping) for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes. Freeze the plain, unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature, then add filling, frosting, and crumble before serving.
Do I have to core the cupcakes?
It’s the best way to add the filling.
However, you can swirl the apple mixture into the batter before baking if you prefer.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes. Pears, peaches, or even berries work well as substitutes for apples.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend in place of regular flour.
Will the crumble stay crunchy?
It’s best added just before serving.
Over time, it will soften slightly when sitting on the buttercream.
What kind of apples work best?
Regular eating apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are ideal.
They soften well without losing all their texture.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Cupcakes are the perfect balance of warm spice, soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping.
They feel both homey and elegant, making them a wonderful treat for any season.
Apple Crumble Cupcakes
Ingredients
Method
- Cook apples with sugar, spices, and cornflour until soft. Cool completely.
- Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble, rub in butter, and bake until golden.
- Cream butter and sugar for the cupcakes, add eggs, then flour and spices.
- Bake until golden, cool completely.
- Core the cupcakes and fill with apple mixture.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/apple-crumble-cupcakes/
Notes
- Best enjoyed the same day so the crumble topping stays crisp.
- Try swapping apples for pears for a seasonal variation.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the buttercream.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 30 g light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
For the crumble topping
- 10 g unsalted butter
- 8 g light brown sugar
- 17 g plain flour
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
For the cupcakes
- 175 g unsalted butter, softened
- 175 g light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175 g self-raising flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp mixed spice
For the buttercream
- 175 g unsalted butter, softened
- 350 g icing sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
Cook apples with sugar, spices, and cornflour until soft. Cool completely.
Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble, rub in butter, and bake until golden.
Cream butter and sugar for the cupcakes, add eggs, then flour and spices. Bake until golden, cool completely.
Core the cupcakes and fill with apple mixture.
Beat butter, icing sugar, cinnamon, and milk into buttercream. Pipe or spread over cupcakes.
Top with apple filling and crumble just before serving.
SEO Summary
SEO Title: Apple Crumble Cupcakes – Soft, Spiced, and Topped with Crunchy Crumble
Meta Description: These apple crumble cupcakes combine warm spiced apple filling, fluffy cake, creamy cinnamon buttercream, and a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for cozy desserts.
Focus Keyword: Apple Crumble Cupcakes
Keyword Density: ~1.3%
Word Count: ~1,200
Google-safe: ✅
Ingredients preserved: ✅
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