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apple cinnamon cupcakes on a white plate on a marble counter with fresh flowers and apples.

Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

Mimi Council
These simple fall inspired cupcakes use grated apples. I prefer Fuji, but you can use any kind you like as the flavor of the apples will shine through in the cupcakes!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Makes 12 cupcakes
Calories 499 kcal

Equipment

  • Digital Food Scale
  • Box Grater
  • Stand Mixer
  • Piping Bag
  • Ateco Tip #827

Ingredients
 
 

Batter

  • 113 grams finely grated Fuji apple (about 1 large apple)
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • 113 grams cane sugar
  • 75 grams light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 191 grams all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Frosting

  • 226 grams salted butter (softened)
  • 454 grams powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ½ teaspoon ground vanilla bean

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
  • 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.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the cupcake pan.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Store in a cake dome or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Tips
  • 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.
  • 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.
Gluten Free — Replace the all purpose flour with 191 grams (scant 1 ¼ cups) gluten free flour blend.
High Altitude — Bake at 350°F for 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 3gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 258mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 513IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Want more recipes?Follow along on @mimisorganiceats for more inspiration!