🍎 Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Here’s a cozy and crowd-pleasing Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe — combining fluffy cinnamon cupcakes with a warm apple pie filling, all topped with luscious frosting. Perfect for fall parties, bake sales, or when you want apple pie without the hassle of a crust 🧁🍎

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🍎 Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

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📝 Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Topping (optional):

• 1 cup whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make cupcakes:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Stir in cinnamon.
   Divide evenly among 12 liners and bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare apple filling:
   In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 4–5 minutes until apples soften.
   Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Fill cupcakes:
   Once cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center. Fill with a spoonful of apple pie mixture.
4. Top & serve:
   Frost with whipped cream or frosting. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with caramel if desired.

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🍏 Tips:

• Make ahead: Bake cupcakes and apple filling up to 2 days in advance. Assemble before serving.
• Want a shortcut? Use canned apple pie filling—just chop it up before using.
• For extra flair, top with a mini pie crust cutout or crumb topping.

❄️ How to Freeze Apple Pie Cupcakes

✅ Unfilled & Unfrosted Cupcakes (Recommended):

1. Let cupcakes cool completely.
2. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
3. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
4. Thaw at room temperature, then fill and frost as desired.

✅ Filled and/or Frosted Cupcakes:

• You can freeze them, but texture may be affected.
• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Wrap carefully or place in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temp before serving.

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🔁 Pro Tip:

For best flavor and texture, freeze the components separately and assemble fresh!

Let me know if you’d like a freezer-friendly apple cupcake variation!