If you’re anything like me, when fall rolls around, your mind immediately drifts to cozy sweaters, crisp air, and—of course—the smell of cinnamon-kissed apples baking in the oven. Enter: Apple Pie Cupcakes. These little bundles of joy bring all the comfort of a classic apple dessert recipe but in a handheld, party-perfect cupcake form. Perfect for busy moms looking for a crowd-pleaser or anyone who just can’t choose between pie and cake (why not both?).

Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat for yourself after a long day, these spiced cupcakes with whipped cream frosting are your new go-to. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cupcakes

You get all the warm, spiced apple goodness of traditional pie without the fuss of a pie crust.
They’re portable, adorable, and absolutely irresistible.
The stabilized whipped cream frosting is lighter than buttercream but still rich and creamy.
They come together in under an hour—hello, easy apple dessert recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Filling:

3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp all-purpose flour

Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp kosher salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temp
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

2 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes

Cook the Apple Filling: Toss diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add the apple mixture, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until soft and bubbling. Stir in flour to thicken, then let cool.
Prep Your Cupcake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk until just combined.
Assemble & Bake: Fill each liner 3/4 full with batter. Top with 2 teaspoons of that luscious apple filling. Bake for 24-26 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. Cool completely.
Whip Up the Frosting: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment for 15 minutes (trust me, it makes a difference!). Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and whip to soft peaks, then continue to stiff peaks. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes in beautiful swirls.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cupcakes

Don’t skimp on the apple filling! A generous spoonful adds a gooey, flavorful surprise.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened for the smoothest whipped frosting.
Chilling your mixing bowl before whipping cream isn’t just fancy chef talk—it helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape longer.
Feel free to sprinkle a little cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra flair. Your Instagram will thank you.

A Sweet Memory from My Kitchen

I first made these Apple Pie Cupcakes on a chilly Sunday when my kids begged for apple pie, but I just didn’t have the patience for crust that day. Necessity (or maybe laziness?) is the mother of invention! The cupcakes were an instant hit, especially with the swirl of fluffy whipped cream on top. Now, they’re a must-have at every family gathering—my little shortcut has become a cherished tradition.

What to Serve with Apple Pie Cupcakes

These cupcakes are fabulous on their own, but if you’re hosting a gathering, they pair beautifully with a warm spiced cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Feeling fancy? Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce over the frosting for an indulgent apple dessert recipe that will have your guests swooning. They also make a delightful companion to a cozy afternoon coffee break.

How to Store Your Apple Pie Cupcakes

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare in my house!), Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days. Just remember to let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off the frosting. You can also make the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate it, which is a great time-saver for busy schedules. Freezing isn’t ideal because whipped cream frosting tends to lose its texture, but the cupcakes (without frosting) freeze well for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute another type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smiths offer that perfect tart bite, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will give you a sweeter, juicier filling. Just adjust the sugar slightly if needed.

How can I store leftover whipped cream frosting?

Leftover frosting can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Before reusing, give it a quick whip to fluff it back up.

Can I make these spiced cupcakes ahead of time?

You sure can! Bake the cupcakes and make the apple filling a day in advance. Store the cupcakes at room temperature and the filling in the fridge. Frost them fresh for best results.

Bake These Apple Pie Cupcakes and Savor Every Cozy Bite

There’s something magical about Apple Pie Cupcakes. They capture the heart of a beloved apple dessert recipe while keeping things simple and stress-free. Whether you’re baking for a fall festivity or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, these spiced cupcakes with whipped cream frosting promise comfort, warmth, and a dash of joy. So, go ahead—turn on your oven, dice up some apples, and let’s bake some happiness together!

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Apple Pie Cupcakes

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of classic apple pie and tender spiced cupcakes, filled with a gooey cinnamon-apple filling and topped with a light, stabilized whipped cream frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes deliver all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld form.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling:

3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, diced small
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp all-purpose flour

Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp kosher salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

2 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and bubbling. Stir in flour to thicken. Let cool.
Make Cupcake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk until combined.
Assemble & Bake: Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter. Add 2 teaspoons of apple filling on top. Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick near the edge comes out clean. Cool completely.
Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting: Chill mixing bowl and whisk attachment. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream and whip to stiff peaks. Mix in vanilla and salt.
Frost Cupcakes: Pipe stabilized whipped cream onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a caramel drizzle.

Notes

Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream for better volume.

You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead.

Cupcakes without frosting can be frozen for up to a month.

Substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter filling.

For extra presentation, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Apple Pie Cupcakes: The Sweetest Way to Celebrate Fall in Every Bite