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Apple Pie Cupcake with Vanilla Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Celebrating the fall season might scream pumpkin spice but another favorite fall flavor is sweet apple pie. Baking an apple pie is tradition but you can try a new twist on this classic with this recipe for apple pie cupcakes with vanilla cinnamon buttercream frosting. This easy recipe is fun to bake and sweet to eat.
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Equipment

  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • Cute Cupcake Liners
  • Cupcake Pan (silicone recommended)
  • Melon-Ball Tool or Spoon
  • 1 Medium and 2 Large Mixing Bowls
  • Stand Mixer or Electric Egg Beater
  • Optional - 2 Piping or Plastic Storage Bags (recommended for cupcake filling and frosting)

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Cinnamon Buttercream

  • 1 package Graham Crackers (3-5 crushed)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1-2 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream (add to frosting to even consistency)
  • 2.5 tsp Vanilla
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1.5 tsp Cinnamon

Apple Pie Cupcakes

  • 1 can Apple Pie Filling (20 oz.)
  • 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1.5 tsp Apple Pie Spice (DIY - combine 1/2 tsp. of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, or ginger)
  • 1 cup Water (for cake mix)
  • 1/3 cup Oil (for cake mix)
  • 3 Eggs (for cake mix)

Instructions
 

Apple Pie Cupcakes

  • Start by making the cake mix, then work on the frosting while the cake is baking in the oven.
  • Preheat oven to 350 °F and prepare the cupcake pan (silicone cupcake pan recommended) with cute cupcake liners or spray non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, start mixing the cake mix, oil, eggs, water, and apple pie spice until evenly combined. (Don't over mix to avoid adding air to the batter)
  • Bake cupcakes in the oven for 17-21 minutes.
  • In a separate medium bowl, pour out apple pie filling and use a fork or knife to cut apple slices into smaller cubes.
  • After cupcakes are done baking and cooling, use a spoon or melon-ball tool to remove the center and fill the center with apple pie filling with optional piping bag (typically enough for 20 cupcakes).

Vanilla Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

  • Chill your beaters or stand mixer attachments and large bowl in the freezer for 2 minutes.
  • Beat butter until creamy, then add the cinnamon and vanilla while beating for an additional 20 seconds to combine ingredients.
  • Gradually add 1 cup of sugar at a time until evenly blended.
  • Gradually add heavy whipping cream and beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
  • Prep piping or plastic storage bags for frosting using a spoon to gradually add frosting, then pipe frosting on the top of the cupcakes.
  • Sprinkle crushed graham crackers as desired.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe incorporates simple ingredients that you can create from scratch at home if you like but this recipe is quick and easy for anyone to create. This can also be a fun activity to do with the kids while celebrating the fall holidays while creating a delicious dessert.