Apple Crumble and Custard Cupcakes

Easy Apple Crumble and Custard Cupcakes filled with creamy custard and topped with buttery crumble. A cozy dessert with apple pie flavor in cupcake form.

These Apple Crumble and Custard Cupcakes bring together everything I love about fall baking. They have the flavor of warm apple crumble with the creamy sweetness of custard, all wrapped up in a neat little cupcake. The first time I made them, the house smelled incredible, and before I could even grab the camera, half the batch had already disappeared.

I wanted to make a dessert that felt nostalgic but also fun to serve. These cupcakes have that classic apple and cinnamon flavor, with a custard filling that gives every bite a creamy surprise. My wife said they taste like something straight from a bakery, and I could tell from how quiet the table got that everyone agreed.

Now these have become my go-to for family gatherings or when friends come by for coffee. They look impressive, but they are surprisingly simple once you get started.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, you can. Homemade custard adds a rich flavor, but store-bought custard works perfectly if you are short on time.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the cupcakes a day before and store them covered in the fridge. Add the custard and crumble topping just before serving for best results.

What kind of apples should I use?
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the custard.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without the custard. Add the custard and topping after thawing.

What You Need to Make Apple Crumble and Custard Cupcakes

For the cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup milk

1 large apple, peeled and diced

For the custard filling

2 egg yolks

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 cup milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumble topping

¼ cup butter, melted

½ cup flour

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Apple Crumble and Custard Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Fold in diced apples.

Spoon batter into liners and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.

To make the custard:

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan.

Add milk gradually, whisking over medium heat until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool before using.

To make the crumble:

Mix melted butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly.

Bake on a tray at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.

Assembly:

Cut a small hole in the top of each cupcake and spoon in custard.

Sprinkle crumble topping on top.

Tips

Chill the custard before filling to make it easier to spoon into cupcakes.

Use a piping bag for a cleaner finish when filling with custard.

For extra apple flavor, add a spoonful of applesauce to the batter.

Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Dust with a little cinnamon sugar before serving for a pretty finish.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These cupcakes were a huge hit at my book club. Everyone thought they were from a bakery.” Carol T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The custard filling was creamy and perfect. I used Honeycrisp apples and they worked great.” Diane M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for Thanksgiving and they were gone before dessert was over. The crumble topping is amazing.” Nancy R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A little more work than a normal cupcake, but worth every minute. My family loved them.” Helen P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So creative and delicious. The apple biscuit toppers made them look beautiful on the table.” Patricia W.

Printable Recipe

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