Apple Spice Cupcakes Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, delightful treat that bursts with warm flavors and a touch of autumn magic, you’re going to love these Apple Spice Cupcakes. These cupcakes combine the sweet tartness of fresh apples with a blend of aromatic spices, all crowned with a luscious cinnamon buttercream frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a comforting snack, Apple Spice Cupcakes are an irresistible way to bring a bit of spice and sweetness to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to achieving the perfect Apple Spice Cupcakes. Each element plays a special role in balancing flavor, moisture, and texture, ensuring every bite is moist, spicy, and utterly satisfying.

• 1 ½ cups (188 g) flour: The base of our cupcakes, giving them structure and softness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, a hallmark of apple-spice combos.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty spice that complements cinnamon.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional): Brings a hint of complexity and earthiness.
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature): For richness and tenderness in the cupcake batter.
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the spice.
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar: Adds a mild molasses flavor and moisture.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add richness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• 1 large apple (peeled and grated or finely diced, about 1 cup or 125 g): The star ingredient providing freshness and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup (226 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature): For the creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting.
• 2 ½ cups (300 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted): To sweeten and smooth out the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the frosting with a lovely spice note.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Apple Spice Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F, and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. This early step ensures your baking environment is just right and your cupcakes will come out easily, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves or allspice. This mixture ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every cupcake gets that perfect burst of flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy—about two minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb and even sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, combining well after each addition. This builds structure and adds richness to the batter, preparing it for the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Then pour in the milk and blend gently before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Finally, fold in the grated or diced apples by hand to keep the batter light and airy—avoid over-mixing to maintain cupcake fluffiness.

Step 6: Bake Your Cupcakes

Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with batter and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool them completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

To make frosting, whip the butter on high speed until luxuriously fluffy, about five minutes. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar on low speed, then increase to medium and mix in the vanilla and cinnamon. Add milk a little at a time to get that perfect spreadable texture.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Pipe the cinnamon buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using your favorite piping tip. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a hint of cinnamon on top or garnish with a thin apple slice. This not only makes them look inviting but also highlights the fresh apple flavor inside.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cupcakes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon, a delicate apple fan, or even a small dusting of nutmeg are excellent ways to garnish Apple Spice Cupcakes. These touches add visual appeal and emphasize the warm flavors that make these treats so unique.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a cup of chai tea, spiced cider, or even a rich, dark coffee. The warmth and spice of the beverages complement the cupcakes, creating a harmonious flavor experience that’s perfect for cozying up on a crisp day.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging your Apple Spice Cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a charming autumn display. Wrapping each cupcake with a small ribbon or placing them in decorative cupcake wrappers makes them ideal for festive occasions or thoughtful gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store Apple Spice Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and fresh. If your room tends to be warm, storing them in the refrigerator is a good idea, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw completely and then frost. Frosted cupcakes can also be frozen, but the texture of the frosting might change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

To refresh the cupcakes after storing or freezing, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This gives them a just-baked softness that’s particularly delightful. Avoid overheating, as that can dry out the delicate crumb.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully. Choose based on your preference for tartness or sweetness; just keep the quantity about the same.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk alternative. The texture may vary slightly but the cupcakes will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the apples from making the cupcakes soggy?

Grating or finely dicing the apples and folding them in gently helps distribute moisture evenly without weighing down the batter, keeping the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cupcakes right after making the batter for optimal rise and texture, but you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

What frosting alternatives work well with these cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is a wonderful alternative that pairs beautifully with the spices and apple flavor, adding a tangy richness to every bite.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Spice Cupcakes are truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Their cozy flavors and tender crumb make them the perfect dessert for any occasion where you want to share a little love and warmth. I hope you bake a batch soon and enjoy every delicious moment of these charming treats.

Apple Spice Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these moist and fragrant Apple Spice Cupcakes, featuring warm spices and fresh apples baked into a tender cupcake base, topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cupcakes offer a cozy and comforting treat ideal for fall or any time you crave a spiced dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (188 g) flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional)

Wet Ingredients for Cupcakes

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
• 1 large apple, peeled and grated or finely diced (about 1 cup or 125 g)

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (226 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups (300 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners and set aside to prepare for the batter.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves or allspice (if using). Whisk these ingredients thoroughly and set the mixture aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour in the milk and mix again until incorporated. Then add the remaining flour mixture. Finally, gently fold in the diced or grated apple pieces by hand, being careful not to over-mix the batter to maintain the cupcakes’ tenderness.
5. Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with little to no crumbs. Remove from oven and transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting – Beat Butter: In a clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, whip the unsalted butter on high speed until light and fluffy, around 5 minutes.
7. Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase speed to medium and mix in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Continue to beat for about one minute until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding milk one tablespoon at a time until desired spreadability is reached.
8. Frost Cupcakes: Transfer the cinnamon buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a thin slice of apple for decorative and extra flavor appeal.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly and adjust milk consistency accordingly.
• Apples can be swapped with pears or peeled grated zucchini for a different twist.
• These cupcakes freeze well; freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container, then frost after thawing.
• Make sure not to over-mix the batter once the apples are added to keep the cupcakes tender.
• To enhance spice flavor, toast the ground spices slightly before mixing them in.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: apple cupcakes, spiced cupcakes, cinnamon cupcakes, fall desserts, buttercream frosting, apple spice dessert