These moist apple cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting are not too sweet, which makes them one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts, too. After eating all that heavy sweet and savory food, it’s nice to have a cupcake that’s not too cloyingly sweet to finish off the meal. They work great with just about any variety of apple, and they’re a great alternative to a more traditional apple pie.
Tips for Success
Avoid using a dark pan when browning the butter. A white or light stainless pan will help you gauge the color of the butter. Use room temperature ingredients for the best results (this includes the browned butter!) Depending on the size of your cupcake tin, you may end up with enough batter to make more than 12 cupcakes. You can bake them in a second cupcake tin at the same time. Don’t overfill the cupcake wells or your cupcakes may spill over. If your cupcakes are a bit flat, that’s most likely because you didn’t add enough baking powder or baking soda. Also, be sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder/soda! If they’re expired, they just won’t do the trick. Dry cupcakes can be caused by 2 things. You may have measured the ingredients incorrectly, or you might have overmixed the batter. It’s important to spoon and level your ingredients if you’re not using a scale, and it’s important to have a light hand when mixing the batter. If your frosting looks curdled, it is likely too cold. Place the frosting in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until the edges begin to melt, then whip again until it comes together.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover apple cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These apple cupcakes are such a great easy Thanksgiving dessert. I like to top them simply with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or an apple wedge. They’re also super yummy drizzled with caramel sauce or apple cider sauce. To make them even more festive, try topping them with a turkey or leaf-shaped piece of pie crust.
How to Make Apple Cupcakes Step by Step
Brown the Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners and set aside. Add ½ cup of unsalted butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, begin stirring constantly until the butter gets foamy, then begins to brown. This will take 5-8 minutes. Once browned, pour the butter into a small bowl and set aside to cool. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon together. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned and cooled butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of milk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract together. Fold in the Apple: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Fold in 1 large peeled and finely chopped apple. Bake the Cupcakes: Fill the cupcake liners ¾ of the way full (you may need more than 12). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Beat the Butter: Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the Cream cheese: Add in 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Thicken the Frosting: Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ⅛ teaspoon of salt, beating until incorporated. Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add in 4 cups of powdered sugar. Flavor the Frosting: Add in ½ cup of brown sugar and 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy, another 1-2 minutes. Add in 3 tablespoons of the cream and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting seems thick, add in the last tablespoon of cream and beat again. Frost the Cupcakes: Frost the cupcakes as desired and serve.
