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Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes Recipe – Easy Homemade Treat With Creamy Frosting

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These apple cinnamon cupcakes are moist, tender, and packed with fresh apple bits and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a cloud of creamy frosting. They’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy gatherings or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (60ml)
  • 1 cup fresh apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 medium apple)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the Creamy Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (60g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (240g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely dice 1 medium apple (about 1 cup). Toss with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  6. Add half the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mix gently. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Fold in diced apples with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  8. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about 2/3 full each).
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
  10. Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add cinnamon if desired.
  12. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with a dash of cinnamon or apple pieces.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese. Dice apples small for even baking. Don’t overmix the batter for tender cupcakes. Cupcakes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon cupcakes, easy cupcakes, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes, apple dessert, cinnamon cupcakes, kid-friendly, party treat, cozy baking

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