These moist apple cupcakes are like little bites of autumn! With real apple pieces mixed in, they are sweet, fluffy, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
Who can resist that creamy topping? I always end up licking the bowl clean! 😄 These cupcakes are perfect for any gathering or just a cozy day at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use firm and sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for these cupcakes. They add moisture and flavor. If you have sour apples like Granny Smith, consider mixing them with some sweeter ones to balance the taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It might make the cupcakes a bit denser but still delicious!
Yogurt/Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps the cupcakes moist. If you’re dairy-free, try using unsweetened almond yogurt or coconut yogurt instead. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
Cream Cheese: While traditional, you can swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a lighter frosting. Alternatively, use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
How Can I Ensure My Cupcakes Rise Perfectly?
Getting those cupcakes to rise nicely can sometimes be tricky. Here’s a step-by-step method to help you:
- Start with fresh baking powder and baking soda; expired ones can lead to flat cupcakes.
- Don’t skip the sifting step for your dry ingredients. It adds air and lightness to the mix.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can deflate the batter, and you want to keep that airy texture!
- Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing.
With these tips, your apple cupcakes should come out perfectly fluffy and delicious! Enjoy baking!
Moist Apple Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow time for the cupcakes to cool, which will take another 15 minutes. In total, expect about 1 hour from start to finish, including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make it easier to remove the cupcakes later!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, which is key for a well-mixed batter.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the Yogurt:
Stir in the plain yogurt or sour cream, which adds moisture to the cupcakes. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no more flour!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples. This will add a delicious fruity flavor and moisture to your cupcakes.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over!
8. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
11. Finish with Vanilla:
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the frosting.
12. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Use a piping bag or a knife to spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
13. Optional Garnish:
For a touch of flair, consider garnishing with a small sprinkle of cinnamon or a thin slice of apple on top.
14. Serve and Enjoy!
Your moist apple cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just treating yourself at home. Happy baking!
FAQ for Moist Apple Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work best, you can use any apples you have on hand. Just balance tart varieties like Granny Smith with a bit of extra sugar in the batter if desired.
How Should I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Make the Frosting Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip if necessary before frosting the cupcakes.
How Can I Make These Cupcakes Healthier?
To make the cupcakes a bit healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid ingredients accordingly.
