Description
Hello, lovely bakers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all in the form of cupcakes. These Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife to cut a circle out of the top of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Fill the hole with the apple filling.
- Pipe the cream cheese frosting over the top of each cupcake, covering the apple filling. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over each frosted cupcake.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake and a creamier frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Filling Tips: When cutting out the center of the cupcakes for the filling, be careful not to go too deep. You want to create a well for the apple filling without cutting through the bottom of the cupcake.