Description
Soft vanilla batter swirled with warm cinnamon and dotted with juicy apple pieces, each cupcake finished with a crunchy brown sugar streusel that crackles with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled diced apple
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cold unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold diced apple into the batter.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.
- In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter, stir in granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then spoon the mixture over each cupcake.
- In a separate bowl, combine packed brown sugar, all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter, using your fingers to form a crumbly streusel.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the cupcakes.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Tart apples like Granny Smith maintain a firm texture and tangy flavor.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Streusel topping can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.