What I have learned through teaching and through having a child of my own is that kids learn best when there is either something hands-on or food. With these Apple Tree Cupcakes, you can tie in just about any story you want making this treat an educational one. Here are just a few good books you can read before having an Apple Cupcake snack.
- Ten Apples Up on Top
- My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed
- The Season's of Arnold's Apple Tree
- Apples and Pumpkins
Make these snacks ahead of time, or get your little ones to help. Giving little ones the chance to help make these delicious snacks drives comprehension, increases fine motor skills, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment.
If you want to create a whole apple learning unit, check out these Amazing Apple Crafts for Kids!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Adorable & Playful: These cupcakes look like little apple trees, perfect for a fun baking project!
- Delicious & Moist: A tasty treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a fluffy cupcake base.
- Ideal for School Events: A unique, bite-sized snack for school parties or picnics.
🥚Apple Cupcakes Ingredients
- 12 Double Stuff Oreo cookies
- 1 (12 ounces) package green candy melts wafers
- 12 cupcakes
- 2 to 3 cups vanilla frosting in green (Used store-bought canned frosting)
- 12 Tootsie Roll Midgies
- Red mini M&M candies (5 to 9 for each cupcake)
You will also need:
- Large open star tip (Wilton 1M Open Star Piping Tip)
- Piping bag
- White lollipop sticks, cut to 3 to 4 inches (one cut stick for each cupcake)
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Cookie Base: Use chocolate sandwich cookies if Oreos aren't preferred.
- Candy Coating: Opt for white chocolate or colored candy melts to match your theme.
- Cupcake Flavor: Experiment with different cupcake flavors like chocolate or carrot cake.
🔪How to Make Apple Tree Cupcakes
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
Gently press a lollipop stick into the cream center of the cookies. If the cookie cracks, press it back together.
Melt candy coating according to package directions. If the candy is too thick to pour, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir well. Do not add water. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per bag of candy wafers.
Dip each cookie into melted candy. Remove cookie, tapping gently against the side of the bowl, allowing excess candy to return to the bowl. If air bubbles form, pop them with a toothpick. Place the cookie onto the waxed paper.
While it is still wet, apply 4 to 6 mini M&Ms on each cookie. Allow cookies to set completely. Once cookies are set, twist a Tootsie Roll around the top half (where the cookie connects) of the stem on each cookie pop.
To decorate the cupcakes, pipe frosting over cupcakes in a circular direction working from the center of the cupcake towards the outside.
Press a cookie pop into the center of each cupcake. Sprinkle remaining M&M candies around the cookie pop.
Enjoy your Apple Tree Cupcakes!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Before indulging, read apple-themed stories like "Ten Apples Up on Top" or "Johnny Appleseed" to make the activity both fun and informative.
- Allow children to help decorate the cupcakes. This hands-on activity enhances their fine motor skills and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
- To simplify the process, consider using store-bought cupcakes and frosting. This allows you to focus on the creative aspects without the stress of baking from scratch.
💭 FAQs
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 4 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cupcakes, feel free to bake your favorite recipe. Just ensure they are completely cooled before decorating to prevent melting the candy coating.
To prevent overheating, melt the candy melts in short intervals, stirring frequently. Avoid adding water, as it can cause the candy to seize. If the coating is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to achieve a smoother consistency.
While mini M&M's are recommended for their size and color, you can substitute them with other small, round candies like Skittles or mini chocolate candies. Just ensure they are small enough to resemble apples and can adhere well to the candy coating.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite treats to serve with apple tree cupcakes:
- Mini caramel apples: A sweet, fall-inspired treat that matches the apple theme.
- Apple slices with peanut butter: A healthy and tasty pairing to complement the cupcakes.
- Cinnamon sugar donuts: Soft and spiced, they add the perfect touch to your autumn-themed spread.
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