Apple Pie Cupcakes

photo of apple pie cupcakes, recipe developer Diana Jeffra for Lidl USA

Apple Pie Cupcakes developed and styled by Diana Jeffra for Lidl USA

Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Simple Fall Delight

Recipe development and food styling has always been a dance between flavor and artistry for me. Merging my love for food and creative expression, I've recently crafted a delightful twist on a fall classic for Lidl US: Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes. What makes this apple recipe stand out, you ask? The brilliance of using a boxed cake mix, ensuring simplicity and efficiency without compromising on taste. It's a testament to the way that I like to cook: simplicity merged with flavor.

For the development of these fall cupcakes, I wanted to capture the essence of a warm apple pie, with the convenience of a cupcake. The boxed cake mix forms a fluffy base, while a spiced apple filling adds the nostalgic touch of autumn. As a seasoned food stylist, the finishing touch was crucial: a dollop of cinnamon-infused whipped cream, creating not just a treat for the palate but also a visual delight. It's the epitome of how I approach food styling - combining taste and aesthetics to craft the perfect bite.

If you're on the hunt for the perfect apple recipe this season, these Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes might just be your new favorite go-to. Rich in flavor, simple in preparation, and utterly Instagram-worthy, they're sure to win hearts at any fall potluck or cozy gathering. For more insights into my culinary adventures and professional tips on food styling, I warmly invite you to join our community. Dive deep into the world of flavors and aesthetics, one recipe at a time.


Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

24 cupcakes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter

7 apples, 6 peeled and sliced 1⁄8-inch thin and 1 unpeeled and sliced for garnish

2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

¼ teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons lemon juice

¾ cup sugar, divided

1 (15.25-ounce) package white cake mix

½ cup applesauce

3 eggs

whipped cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 muffin tins with 24 liners.

2. In a medium sauté pan, melt butter over medium high heat. Add peeled apples and sauté for about 5 minutes or until apples are very soft. Remove pan from heat.

3. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg.

4. Sprinkle half of spice mixture over cooked apples along with lemon juice and ½ cup sugar. Stir to fully coat the apples.

5. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and remaining half of spice mixture, then mix in applesauce, eggs and 1 cup water. Stir until no lumps remain.

6. Fill cupcake liners halfway up, top each cupcake with a large spoonful of cooked apple.

7. Bake for 20 minutes.

8. While cupcakes are baking, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar.

9. Let cupcakes cool completely. Store covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

10. Right before serving, top with whipped cream, remaining apple slices and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

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