Apple Crumble Cupcakes – Soft, Spiced, and Irresistibly Crunchy

If you love apple pie but want a portable, single-serving dessert, Apple Crumble Cupcakes are your perfect solution. These cupcakes combine moist, spiced apple cake with a buttery, crunchy streusel topping, giving every bite a delightful mix of soft cake and crisp crumble. Perfect for fall, brunches, dessert tables, or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Moist Cake: Packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and a hint of nutmeg.
• Crispy Topping: Buttery crumble topping adds texture and a classic fall feel.
• Perfect for Parties: Individual servings make them great for dessert tables or gifts.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps, no professional baking skills required.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 cup peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Fold in sour cream, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in diced apples.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
4. Assemble and Bake: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over each cupcake. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Apple Varieties: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version.
• Mini Cupcakes: Bake in mini muffin pans for bite-sized treats; reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or a splash of apple cider to the batter.
• Frosting Option: Top with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Pair with spiced tea, hot apple cider, or coffee for a cozy autumn treat.
• Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes! Thaw and drain frozen apples well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead?

Absolutely! Bake and store in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage. Add crumble topping just before serving if you want it extra crisp.

Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?

You can, but the texture will be softer and less chunky. Use 1/2 cup applesauce and reduce sour cream slightly.

Ready to Make It?

These Apple Crumble Cupcakes are moist, spiced, and topped with a perfectly crunchy crumble. Ideal for dessert tables, family treats, or fall celebrations, they combine the flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient, single-serving form. Bake, sprinkle, and enjoy the perfect cozy treat!

You Might Also Like

• Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake – A creamy milkshake with apple, caramel, and cinnamon for fall.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, flavorful cookies made with pumpkin and chocolate chips for the perfect seasonal dessert.
• Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping – Sweet baked apples with a crunchy oat topping and caramel drizzle.
• Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake – Fluffy biscuits baked with rich apple butter, perfect for a cozy breakfast.

Print