cup cupcake pan Stand Mixer Hand Mixer Recipe

If you adore the comforting flavors of apple pie but want a fun, handheld treat, these Apple Pie Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream and Apple Pie Filling will absolutely steal your heart. Using a cup cupcake pan
Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer makes these little beauties not only perfectly portioned but also an absolute joy to whip up. Each cupcake boasts a tender apple-spiced base, a luscious surprise of warm apple pie filling in the center, and a cloud of silky vanilla buttercream on top. It’s like having your favorite fall dessert in cupcake form, and trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the texture, flavor, and look of the cupcake. From the spice-kissed batter to the creamy frosting and the gooey apple filling, every element is perfectly balanced for an unforgettable bite.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cupcake tenderizing.
• Dark brown sugar: Infuses a hint of molasses flavor for rich depth.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone providing structure to the cupcakes.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both work together for perfect rise and fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The quintessential apple pie spice, warming and inviting.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without overpowering flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds tender crumb and slight tang for interest.
• Apple sauce: Brings natural apple flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together with richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with sweet aromatics.
• Apples (cubed): The star ingredient in the pie filling, for texture and sweetness.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps apples fresh.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple pie filling to that perfect gloppy consistency.
• Butter: For the silky, fluffy vanilla buttercream topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and softens the frosting’s texture.
• Vanilla bean paste: Adds intense vanilla flavor and lovely flecks.
• Whole milk: Gives the frosting just the right creaminess and spreadability.

How to Make cup cupcake pan
Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

First things first, preheat that oven to 160ºC/320ºF so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready. Line your cup cupcake pan
Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer with cupcake liners, because nothing beats easy cleanup and adorable cupcakes. Start by mixing all your dry ingredients — sugars, flour, leavening agents, salt, and cinnamon — in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: sour cream, apple sauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla. The beauty of using a stand mixer or a hand mixer here is how effortlessly these combine into a velvety batter without overworking it. Finally, gently fold the wet into the dry until smooth but don’t overmix; you want tender cupcakes, not tough ones.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared cup cupcake pan. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. The cupcakes will rise beautifully, sporting a soft dome on top. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes — this makes it easier to remove them without cracking. Then transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This step is crucial because piping frosting on warm cupcakes just doesn’t work the same way!

Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling

While your cupcakes are baking, start your filling. The secret to that perfect apple pie filling texture is soft apples that still hold their shape, so dice them small but don’t overcook. Cook them gently with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon to meld those flavors while keeping the apples pleasantly tender. Adding a cornstarch slurry at the end thickens the mixture into a luscious filling that will be a divine surprise inside each cupcake. Don’t forget the vanilla bean paste — it adds a subtle but luxurious depth.

Step 4: Whip Up the Vanilla Buttercream

Now comes the fun part: frosting! Use your stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream the butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk while mixing at low speed so your buttercream stays light and silky. A final longer whip ensures your frosting is perfectly airy. This irresistible buttercream acts as the perfect cushion, holding the apple filling in place and providing that cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

Finally, hollow out a small well in each cupcake’s center to hold that heavenly apple pie filling. Pipe a mound of vanilla buttercream on each cupcake, then spoon the filling into the little concave you’ve created. The interplay of creamy and fruity makes every bite unforgettable. Plus, seeing that glossy apple filling peek out from under the frosting will make everyone swoon.

How to Serve cup cupcake pan
Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer

Garnishes

Keep it simple and seasonal by sprinkling a touch of ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar atop the buttercream. If you’re feeling fancy, tiny apple slices or a crisp cinnamon stick as a decoration add a visual wow factor without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes are dessert stars on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm caramel drizzle turns them into a show-stopping treat. A hot cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced tea complements the apple and cinnamon notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand lined with fall leaves for festive autumn vibes. To impress your guests, serve them in cute cupcake wrappers embellished with seasonal patterns or tie a bit of twine around each for a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cupcakes keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge to keep the buttercream fresh, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then frost fresh using your stand mixer or hand mixer. This is a great way to prepare ahead for celebrations.

Reheating

Warm the cupcakes lightly before frosting by microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds; they’ll become soft and fragrant, almost like freshly baked. Just be careful not to overdo it or the texture may suffer.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple for the pie filling?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well, but you can use any crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji depending on your sweetness preference and texture desires.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer?

You can mix this batter and buttercream by hand using a whisk and some elbow grease, but it’ll take more time and effort to achieve the right consistency.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

How long does the apple pie filling keep?

Store any leftover filling in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using if needed.

Can I use canned applesauce or make my own?

Either works beautifully. Homemade applesauce adds a fresh, natural flavor, but canned applesauce is a convenient time saver without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Cupcakes bring together the love of classic apple pie and the whimsy of cupcakes in the best way possible. A cup cupcake pan
Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer makes the process super smooth and enjoyable, helping you create consistent, drool-worthy results. So grab your favorite mixer, pull out that cupcake pan, and dive in to bake these cozy, spiced delights that are sure to become a new fall favorite for you and your friends.