I absolutely love this Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it captures all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic apple pie, but in a fun, handheld cupcake form. Whether you’re baking for a fall get-together or just craving a sweet treat with a twist, these cupcakes bring a perfect blend of tender cake, spiced apple filling, and luscious cinnamon frosting that feels like a little hug in every bite.

When I first tried making Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get those layers just right. You’ll find that the spiced apple compote sits beautifully inside and on top of the soft cupcakes, while the cream cheese frosting adds that velvety finish that makes everyone go crazy for more. Trust me — this isn’t just your average cupcake; it’s a dessert experience worth trying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavors Made Fun: Apple pie meets cupcakes for a nostalgic but fresh dessert twist.
Perfect Balance: Sweet, spiced apple filling inside with a creamy cinnamon frosting on top delivers every note you want in one bite.
Great for Any Occasion: These cupcakes work wonderfully for holidays, parties, or an everyday indulgence.
Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps and handy tips, even novice bakers will enjoy success with this recipe.

The image shows several cupcakes arranged on a wooden board and a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has a golden-brown cake base with a top layer of diced caramelized apples that are glossy and warm brown in color. Around the apple pieces, there is a ring of smooth, light beige frosting piped in small swirls. On top of the apples, thin strips of frosting are placed in a latticed pattern. One cupcake is open in the center, showing the soft and airy cake with a thick filling of the caramelized apple pieces inside. The background is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in the harmony of simple, fresh ingredients blending together beautifully. Using tart apples for the filling gives the right tang, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness that complements the cinnamon-spiced cupcake perfectly.

Small tart apples: Granny Smith or similar varieties work best for that bright, tangy apple filling.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apple compote.
Cornstarch: Keeps the apple filling thick and luscious without being runny.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice tying the apple filling and frosting together.
Cake flour: For tender, soft cupcakes with a fine crumb.
Baking powder: Provides the lift so your cupcakes rise perfectly.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Gives richness and moisture to both cupcakes and frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake batter evenly.
Eggs: Help with structure and fluffiness—make sure they’re at room temperature.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Milk: Dairy or non-dairy works fine, just helps keep the batter smooth.
Cream cheese: Key for that tangy, creamy frosting—use softened for easiest mixing.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it smooth to pipe.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe now and then, making it my own depending on the season or what my family’s craving. Don’t hesitate to swap out or add a few things to make it fit your style!

Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling brings a deeper autumnal vibe that I really enjoy.
Gluten-free swap: I’ve tried using a gluten-free flour blend for the cupcakes and the result is wonderfully moist, though a bit denser.
Vegan version: Using dairy-free butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg works well, especially when you let the frosting chill a bit before piping.
Crunch factor: My family loves it with chopped pecans mixed into the cake batter or sprinkled on top of the frosting for a nice texture contrast.

How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling to Perfect Tenderness

Start by combining your finely diced tart apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water in a small pot. Bring it all to a boil on medium-high, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered until the apples soften and the liquid evaporates, stirring often to avoid burning. I always keep a close eye here—if it gets too dry or sticks, just add a splash of water and let it cook off. Once it’s thick and jammy, transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely while you prep the cupcakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-hole cupcake pan with parchment liners—you won’t want your cupcakes sticking! In one bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each, then stir in the vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet, starting and ending with the dry—just mix until smooth to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Your Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter and pop the pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When they’re done, let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key so the frosting doesn’t melt when you add it!

Step 4: Whip Up the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then add cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on low speed to combine everything into a thick, smooth frosting that’s perfect for piping. Trust me, cream cheese frosting like this is what takes these cupcakes from tasty to unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cupcakes Like a Pro

Using a small melon baller or knife, scoop out the center of each cooled cupcake about halfway down to create a little well. Fill that hole with a generous spoonful of the spiced apple compote, then spread an extra little layer on top of each filled well—just shy of the cupcake edges. Now, pipe frosting: first create two crisscross lines over the apple topping with a small ribbon piping tip, then switch to an open star tip to pipe a pretty border around the whole cupcake. This layering not only looks gorgeous but keeps every flavor front and center.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Perfect Apple Texture: Dice the apples finely so they cook evenly and create that soft, jammy filling without large chunks.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the batter, mix just until ingredients are incorporated to keep cupcakes tender rather than dense.
Frosting Consistency: Use cream cheese and butter at room temperature to get a smooth, pipeable frosting without lumps.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Let cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows eight mini apple pie cupcakes arranged on a wooden tray and white marbled surface. Each cupcake has a light golden base topped with a layer of creamy, swirled beige frosting around the edge. The center of each cupcake is filled with small diced apple pieces cooked in a warm cinnamon sauce, giving a caramel brown color. On some cupcakes, the frosting is decorated with a lattice pattern of two to three thick strips crossing over the apple topping, while others just have the piped border around the apples. The texture of the frosting is smooth but piped with ridges. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra charm by sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar atop the frosting — it makes them look cute without taking away from the flavor. Sometimes, a few chopped candied pecans on top add both a delightful crunch and a festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a simple cup of chai tea or warm apple cider, making for a perfectly cozy snack. For brunch or dessert spreads, I also like to serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For family celebrations or holiday parties, setting these cupcakes on a tiered stand alongside fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon sticks creates a charming “apple orchard” vibe. You can also pipe little leaves with green frosting on top to up the festive factor — kids love that touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and assembled, I store leftover Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They’ll stay nicely for 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the plain cupcakes (without frosting) successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them completely and then add the frosting fresh for best results. Freezing assembled cupcakes doesn’t work as well because the frosting can get watery or separate.

Reheating

To warm leftover cupcakes, take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you prefer warm cupcakes, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—but skip this step if frosting is on top to avoid melting it too much.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice balance of tanginess, but you can mix in sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp if you want a sweeter filling. Just adjust the sugar slightly if you use sweeter apples.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Before using, let it come to room temperature and whip it again briefly to restore its creamy texture for easy piping.
What if I don’t have piping bags or tips?

No worries! You can use a sturdy plastic sandwich bag, fill it with frosting, and snip off one corner to pipe simple lines and borders. It won’t be as fancy but still delicious and charming.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, swapping cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend often works well. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a binder to keep the cupcakes tender. Texture may be slightly different but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen whenever I want a cozy dessert that feels special but isn’t fussy. I love how the familiar flavors come together so beautifully in cupcake form, and I bet you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do. So grab your favorite apples, get mixing, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible little bites of apple pie heaven!