Apple Crumble Cupcakes: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

Few desserts capture the cozy warmth of fall quite like apple crumble cupcakes. These little treats combine the best of two worlds—moist apple-spiced cupcakes and a crispy, buttery crumble topping. With cinnamon-kissed apple chunks in every bite and a delightful streusel layer on top, they bring comfort in the form of a handheld dessert.

Perfect for autumn gatherings, teatime indulgences, or just a simple homemade treat, these cupcakes balance sweetness, spice, and texture in an irresistible way. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating bakery-quality apple crumble cupcakes right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Cupcakes
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp
Ground nutmeg	¼ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Brown sugar	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Apples (peeled, diced)	1 cup (about 1 large apple)
Lemon juice (to prevent browning)	1 tbsp

| For the Crumble Topping | | | All-purpose flour | ½ cup | | Brown sugar | ¼ cup | | Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | | Unsalted butter (cold, cubed) | ¼ cup |

| For the Cinnamon Drizzle (Optional) | | | Powdered sugar | ½ cup | | Milk | 1-2 tbsp | | Ground cinnamon | ¼ tsp |

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Best Apples for Baking: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji provide a sweeter touch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls – For preparing the batter and crumble topping.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Helps achieve a smooth cupcake batter.
• Muffin Tin & Liners – Ensures even baking and easy removal.
• Apple Peeler & Knife – To prep fresh apples.
• Oven & Cooling Rack – Baking and cooling the cupcakes properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples (tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning).

2. Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in cold cubed butter, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it forms coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble & Bake

Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter. Sprinkle a generous amount of crumble topping over each one.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

4. Make the Cinnamon Drizzle (Optional)

Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes for an extra sweet touch.

Tips and Variations

• For Extra Moistness: Add ¼ cup applesauce to the batter.
• Crunchy Topping Hack: Toast the crumble mixture for 5 minutes before sprinkling over cupcakes.
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce instead of cinnamon glaze.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Mini Cupcakes: Adjust the baking time to 12-14 minutes for bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crumble cupcakes shine on their own, but for an extra special experience:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing: A chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle before serving makes them look bakery-fresh.

Pairings

• Drinks: A hot apple cider, caramel macchiato, or cinnamon-spiced latte enhances the warm flavors.
• Desserts: Pair with a cream cheese frosting dip or a side of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigeration: Lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Store unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
  Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Apple crumble cupcakes bring together the best elements of apple pie, coffee cake, and cupcakes into one delightful bite. Their moist interior, crispy topping, and warm cinnamon aroma make them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.

Try this recipe and share your experience! Did you add a personal twist? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your delicious results.