Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Vanilla Frosting - Plain Everything (2024)

Apple pie cupcakes have all the flavors of apple pie with a whipped cinnamonvanilla frosting that’s so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!

I love everything about fall and the warm and delicious flavors that come with it. My apple pie cupcakes are on regular rotation in the cooler months but make a delicious dessert all year. Thanks to the apple pie filling, the cupcake is incredibly moist, and the frosting has just the right sweetness and spice. These are the ultimate fall cupcakes and have been one of the most popular recipes on the blog since I posted them.

My husband and I go to the farmers market nearly every weekend. I love talking to all the vendors, stocking up on local produce, and tasting all the unique and delicious foods. This week, I grabbed some apples from one of my favorite vendors, and they were the perfect topping for these cupcakes!

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Why We Love Them

• This recipe uses a boxed cake mix and canned apple pie filling, keeping it quick and easy.
• These are a fun twist on two classic desserts – apple pie and cupcakes!
• They make an impressive presentation on any dessert or brunch table.
• Enjoy all the flavors of apple pie in a cute little cupcake!
• The cinnamon vanilla frosting is so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boxed yellow or vanilla cake mix keeps this recipe quick and easy.
• Apple pie filling gives the cupcakes a ton of apple flavor and keeps them moist.
• Good quality butter to make the most delicious frosting.
• Powdered sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla for extra flavor.
• Fresh apples for the top!

I use my favorite yellow cake mix from Trader Joe’s, but you can use any vanilla or yellow cake mix you want. When you see a product you like in stock at Trader Joe’s, grab a few extra. Their seasonal products are extremely popular and sell out quickly.

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

Apple Pie Filling 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

How To Make Apple Pie Filling

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

How To Make Apple Pie Cupcakes

1. Prepare the batter according to the directions on the package.
2. Fill a 12-cup muffin pan 2/3 of the way full with the batter. (a cookie scoop makes this easy)
3. Bake according to the directions on the package. 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 and pipe it on the cupcakes.
7. Thinly slice a fresh apple and garnish just before serving.

Recipe Variations + Helpful Tips

• Swap out the yellow or vanilla cake mix for any flavor you like. A spiced cake mix is delicious!
• To omit the frosting and add some texture, sprinkle the cupcakes with a streusel topping before baking.
• You can use ANY combination of cake mix and pie filling you want and enjoy these for every season.
• Let the cold ingredients come to room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, or you’ll have a runny mess.
• If the frosting seems too soft, put it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up.
• To make these gluten—or dairy-free, swap out any ingredients for ones that meet your dietary needs.
• Only fill the cupcake liners 2/3 of the way full. Otherwise, the batter may spill over the top.
• Fresh apples turn brown quickly once they’ve been cut. I recommend waiting to garnish the top with a fresh apple slice until just before serving.

Storage Tips

• To store: Store in an airtight container on your counter or refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: If storing in the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• To freeze: Store unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer for up to two months.
• To reheat from frozen: Place them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave in 20-second intervals until warmed. Let cool completely before frosting.

Serve This With

• Best Beer for Beer Bread + 5-Ingredient Recipe
• How to Make Sausage Balls – Gluten-Free, Keto Snack
• Pasta Salad Recipe with Bacon and Tomatoes
• Easy Tuna Pasta Salad | High Protein Recipe
• Deviled Egg Spread Appetizer & Dip Recipe

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