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Irresistible Apple Cupcakes Recipe with Perfect Cinnamon Frosting

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Tender, moist apple cupcakes topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting, perfect for cozy fall gatherings or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 ½ cups (175g) peeled and finely diced apples (use a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle of cinnamon, Apple slices or dried apple chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Use an electric mixer for best results.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
  6. Fold in the diced apples gently using a rubber spatula.
  7. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 1 minute).
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
  12. Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add an extra tablespoon of cream if needed for a smoother consistency.
  13. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple slices if desired.

Notes

[‘Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture.’, ‘Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.’, ‘Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking.’, ‘Adjust frosting consistency by adding more heavy cream or powdered sugar as needed.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cupcakes, cinnamon frosting, fall dessert, easy cupcakes, apple recipes

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/irresistible-apple-cupcakes-recipe-with-perfect-cinnamon-frosting/