Step 1

Prepare the Cupcakes:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in the chopped apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.

Step 6

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

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.