Apple Cupcakes Recipe

5 from 7 votes

These apple cupcakes are topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a dessert that is super delicious. Make them to celebrate fall!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time40

Cook Time20

Total Time1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners. Set aside.
Add the butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, begin stirring constantly until the butter gets foamy, then begins to brown. This will take 5-8 minutes. Once browned, pour the butter into a small bowl and set aside to cool.
½ cup unsalted butter
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together.
1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a large bowl, whisk the browned and cooled butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together.
½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup milk, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Fold in the apples.
1 large apple
Fill the cupcake liners ¾ of the way full (you may need more than 12). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cupcakes are cool, make the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth, about 2 minutes.
1 cup unsalted butter
Add in the cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
8 ounces cream cheese
Add in the vanilla and salt, beating until incorporated.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add in the powdered sugar.
4 cups powdered sugar
Add in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy, another 1-2 minutes.
½ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add in 3 tablespoons of the cream and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting seems thick, add in the last tablespoon of cream and beat again.
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Frost the cupcakes as desired and serve.

Storage: Store apple cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.