Apple Pie Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting

Tender vanilla cupcakes, sweet apple filling, and the most delicious whipped buttercream frosting with vanilla and cinnamon. Yes please. These apple pie cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert!

Even better, we’re starting with a vanilla cake mix to keep things super easy because no one needs complicated recipes during the holidays. Add these to your Thanksgiving lineup or serve them as a cozy breakfast, and watch them disappear. Who says you can’t have cupcakes for breakfast?

 I love serving these for brunch alongside my pumpkin sausage balls, a fall twist on a classic recipe, and this sausage egg bake, which you can prepare the day before.

I love everything about fall and its warm, cozy flavors, and these apple pie cupcakes are a regular rotation. Apple pie filling gives just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the cupcakes tender and moist. The frosting layers vanilla and cinnamon with just the right sweetness. Even though these are filled, they’re incredibly easy to make.

Apple season is here in Nashville, and one of our favorite weekend activities is going to the local farmers’ markets! Even though we used canned apple pie filling in this recipe, I couldn’t resist picking up some fresh apples to create the cutest little topper for these cupcakes!

Apple Pie Cupcakes

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1. Prepare a yellow or vanilla cake mix according to the package directions.
2. Fill a 12-cup muffin pan 2/3 of the way full with the batter.
3. Bake according to the package directions. Let cool.
4. Use a small paring knife to remove the center of the cupcake.
5. Spoon a little of the apple pie filling into the center.
6. Use a hand mixer to make the frosting, then pipe it onto the cupcakes.
7. Thinly slice a fresh apple and garnish just before serving.

How To Make Apple Pie Filling

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If you prefer to make your own apple pie filling, it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a quick, easy recipe I’ve made for years.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely diced & peeled apples
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons apple juice or water

Instructions

1. Add the apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for five minutes.
3. While that happens, mix the cornstarch with the apple juice or water.
4. When most of the liquid has evaporated, stir in the lemon and cornstarch/liquid mixture.
5. Turn the heat off and stir vigorously until the mixture thickens.
6. Cool the mixture completely before filling the apples

Tips For Making Apple Pie Cupcakes

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• Swap out the cake mix for any flavor you like. A spiced cake mix is delicious!
• Omit the frosting and add a streusel topping before baking for added texture.
• Use ANY combination of cake mix and pie filling to adapt these for every season.
• Let the cold ingredients come to room temperature. This helps them blend evenly.
• If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up.
• Fresh apples turn brown quickly. Add the fresh apple slices on top just before serving.
• These will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend allowing them to come to room temperature before serving.