Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

Moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced. These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are a simple fall inspired cupcake that is quick and easy to make and perfect for any kind of celebration!

If you're looking for more fall recipes with cinnamon, check out Snickerdoodle Biscotti, Cinnamon Sweet Potato Bread Without Eggs, Maple Cinnamon Olive Oil Granola, or Cinnamon Honey Cream Cheese Spread.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

• Recipe Name: Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes
• Ready In: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Makes: 12 cupcakes
• Main Ingredients: apples, light brown sugar, all purpose flour, powdered sugar
• Flavor Profile: lightly spiced apple cake with creamy vanilla frosting
• Dietary Info: gluten free swap available
• Difficulty: Easy!
• Why You’ll Love It: cozy fall inspired treat using apples

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• IG Favorite: You guys voted for this recipe on Instagram! If you don't follow along, be sure to follow me @mimisoragniceats as I share polls of recipes frequently for you to vote on each month! And, this was one of your picks! I always love taking your requests, so here's your vote of Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes.
• Perfectly Spiced: This fall cupcake recipe is perfectly spiced. I know most fall spiced recipes include pumpkin, which is why I love this fall cupcake recipe! It uses fresh apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a cozy cupcake that is perfectly spiced for a little something other than pumpkin.
• Easy AF: This is the easiest Apple Cinnamon Cupcake recipe ever. This is basically a dump cake recipe, which means you can just dump all the ingredients together and mix them up! You cannot mess up these cupcakes as long as you measure properly. Sometimes an easy recipe is just what you need.
• Organic Cupcakes: I love making organic cupcakes at home because I know the ingredients going into the batter and frosting. These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are going to be so much better than store bought!

These Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes are a seasonal recipe from my bakery menu! Popular among both kids and adults, these simple fall cupcakes are a wonderful alternative to pumpkin spice.

If you're hosting a Halloween party or fall event and you're looking for something other than traditional pumpkin, these are perfect! For more fall desserts that are not pumpkin, check out some of my other favorites like Maple Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting, Organic Halloween Cookies With Sprinkles, Carrot Cake Donuts with Apple Cider Glaze, or Vegan Snickers Bars.

Ingredients

• Apples: I use organic Fuiji apples, but another sweet variety like Gala or Pink Lady are also great options.
• Canola Oil: I use organic canola oil as this is the most neutral oil. But, you can also use avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil if you are avoiding seed oils.
• Light Brown Sugar: I also use my homemade light brown sugar, but store bought also works. Light brown sugar also adds more depth of flavor an a richness to these organic cupcakes.
• Cinnamon: I use my favorite organic Korintjne cinnamon. If you want to learn more about cinnamon varieties, read my article Best Cinnamon to Bake With.
• Eggs: Use large eggs, as using eggs that are too small can make cupcake dry and eggs that are too large can make cupcakes sink. Eggs contribute to cupcakes rising properly and the fluffy tender texture.
• All Purpose Flour: I use organic all purpose flour in these organic cupcakes because the apples add a lot of extra moisture, so this higher protein content flour will help create the best texture.
• Baking Powder: Use baking powder, not soda. Be sure to check out my post the Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder for more info on leavening agents.
• Vanilla Bean: I use organic ground vanilla bean in the frosting for more depth of flavor. If you don't have this though you can use vanilla extract as well.

*For a full list of ingredients and measurements, visit the recipe card below.

Tips for Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

• Always use a digital food scale for the best results.
• I use canola oil as it's the most neutral oil, but feel free to use EVOO or avocado oil if you are avoiding seed oils.
• Easily make these gluten free! I provide the exact flour we used at my bakery and measurement in the Notes of the recipe card.
• The cake batter is quick and easy to make, you can use a mixing bowl with a whisk, hand mixer or even your stand mixer.
• You will need a mixer for the frosting, stand or hand mixer both work.
• If your cupcakes sank, they were probably underbaked. All ovens are a bit different and cupcakes can sink when they are not baked long enough. You can always do a test cupcake to ensure you have the right baking time for your oven.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
• Store cupcakes under a cake dome or in an airtight container to stay fresh.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with liners.

Step 2

To make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated apple, canola oil, cane sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs. Mix together until combined.

Next, add in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt in that order. Fold together to combine the ingredients.

Fill cupcake liners three-quarters full.

Step 3

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the cupcake pan. (If you're baking at high altitude, be sure to check the Notes at the bottom of the recipe for high altitude instructions).

Step 4

To make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean. Mix on low until combined, then speed mixer up to high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Transfer to a piping bag with Ateco tip #827.

Step 5

To make the topping: In a small dish, add the cane sugar and cinnamon and swirl together. Frost each cupcake and sprinkle the top with the topping.

Recipe FAQ's

More Fall Recipes with Apples

Brown Butter Apple Pie Without Eggs

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Brown Sugar Honey Apple Pie

Persimmon Apple Cider Jam