Warm apple filling, creamy spice frosting, and sweet-salty toppings in every bite.

These Festival Apple Strudel Cupcakes are everything we love about fall festivals and a subtle nod to Oktoberfest without saying it out loud. Soft white cake filled with warm spiced apple pie filling, topped with a swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting, then finished with crushed white chocolate pretzels, caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. They’re part apple strudel, part fair treat, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft white cupcakes with a fluffy texture.
• Filled with warm, spiced apple pie filling.
• Topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
• Caramel drizzle and crushed pretzels add sweet-salty crunch.
• Easy to make with a box mix base.
• Perfect for fall baking and festival-inspired desserts.

Ingredient Notes

• White cake mix- keeps things simple and gives the cupcakes a light, fluffy base—any brand works.
• Canned apple pie filling- makes this semi-homemade, but be sure to chop the apples so they fit inside the cupcakes easily.
• Cornstarch- thickens the filling just enough so it doesn’t leak out when bitten.
• Cream cheese- Cold cream cheese helps the frosting hold its shape better when piping.
• Crushed white chocolate pretzels- they add a sweet and salty crunch—store-bought dipped pretzels work great.
• Caramel- Use a good-quality caramel sauce for drizzling; it really brings the festival flavor together.

Before You Bake

Do I need to chop the apple pie filling?
Yes! Chopping the apples into smaller pieces helps them fit inside the cupcakes and creates a better texture in every bite.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge—just make sure it’s completely cool before using.

Should the cupcakes be completely cool before filling and frosting?
Yes, always let the cupcakes cool fully. If they’re even slightly warm, the filling can thin out and the frosting may slide off.

Festival Apple Strudel Cupcakes

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 Box Vanilla Pudding, Not Prepared

Apple Filling

• 1 cup canned apple pie filling, chopped
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, cold
• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Toppings

• Crushed white chocolate pretzels
• Caramel sauce
• Cinnamon sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Fill each liner about ⅔ full and bake according to package directions. Let them cool completely.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apple pie filling, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and bubbly. Set aside to cool.
3. Once the cupcakes are cool, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the centers. Spoon in a little of the apple filling, then gently press the removed tops back on to cover the filling.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then beat until fluffy and pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe swirls on each cupcake.
5. Top with a pinch of cinnamon sugar, a sprinkle of crushed pretzels, and a drizzle of caramel.

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Vanilla or spice cake mix both work well with the apple filling and cinnamon frosting.

How do I store these cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the unfrosted, unfilled cupcakes. Add the filling and frosting after thawing for the best texture.

What piping tip did you use?
A large star tip gives the classic swirl look, but any wide opening tip will work.

Can I skip the pretzels or caramel?
Totally! They’re optional but add that sweet-salty “festival” flavor that makes them extra fun.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn these cupcakes into a mini Oktoberfest celebration! Set up a DIY decorating station with crushed pretzels, caramel drizzle, and festive cupcake toppers like mini flags or “Prost!” signs. Pair them with warm apple cider or root beer in mini mugs for a fun nod to the fall festival—no lederhosen required.