Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest. These two-ingredient apple spice cupcakes prove you don’t need a long list of items to bake something delicious. Made from a box of spice cake mix and a can of apple pie filling, they turn out moist, warmly spiced, and full of apple flavor.
No eggs, oil, or extra fuss—just mash, mix, bake, and enjoy. These cupcakes are perfect when you need a quick dessert for a gathering or a simple treat for yourself. They’re cozy, straightforward, and very tasty.
If you enjoy baking from scratch, try the cinnamon mini muffins for a lighter, low-sugar fall-flavored option.
To make the recipe more WeightWatchers-friendly, swap in sugar-free yellow cake mix and no-sugar-added apple pie filling, and add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. These small swaps keep the flavor while lowering points.
How to Make Apple Spice Cake Mix Cupcakes
Step 1: Gather ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard muffin pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Pour the apple pie filling into a large mixing bowl and mash the apples to break them into small to medium pieces.
Step 3: Gradually sift the spice cake mix into the mashed apples, stirring until everything is evenly combined. Sifting in batches helps avoid dry pockets.
Step 4: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes.
Step 5: Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the cupcakes are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the pan cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes and transfer them to the rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Frost lightly if desired, or serve plain with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Step 8: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Recipe Notes
When combining the batter, sift the dry cake mix slowly into the mashed apple filling while stirring. Adding the mix gradually makes it easier to fully incorporate and reduces the chance of dry spots. Though it takes a bit more time, this method yields a smoother batter and better texture in the finished cupcakes.
Nutrition & WW Points
Estimated nutrition per cupcake: 183 calories. According to the author’s calculations, each cupcake is about 10 WW Points.
To reduce points, use no-sugar-added apple pie filling and a sugar-free white or yellow cake mix. Add spices to replace the spice mix: try 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (or 2–3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice). With these swaps the recipe’s WW Points can drop from 10 to about 4.
How to Make a Low-Sugar Variation
- Use no-sugar-added apple pie filling available from several brands.
- Substitute a sugar-free white or yellow cake mix and add the following spices instead of using a spice cake mix:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (or 2–3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice).
These adjustments preserve the apple-spice flavor while cutting sugar and WeightWatchers points.
Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Spice Cake Mix Cupcakes
Equipment
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Mixing Bowls
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Standard Muffin Pan
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Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 ounces) Apple pie filling or topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) Perfectly moist spice cake mix
Instructions
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Gather and prepare all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard muffin pan and set aside.
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Add the apple pie filling to a large mixing bowl and mash the apples to small or medium pieces.
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Gradually sift the cake mix into the mashed apple mixture and stir until combined.
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Divide the batter evenly among 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full.
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Bake 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to the rack to cool completely.
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If desired, frost lightly before serving or enjoy them plain.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
WW Points: 10 (about 4 using sugar-free/no-sugar alternatives)
Low Sugar Variation:
- Use no-sugar-added apple pie filling.
- Use a sugar-free white or yellow cake mix and add spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (or 2–3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice).
Sifting the cake mix in gradually while stirring yields a more uniform batter and helps avoid dry patches. It’s worth the extra minute or two.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.
Additional Info
More Easy Desserts for WeightWatchers
- 2-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake — light, tropical, and simple to make.
- 2-Ingredient Soda Cake — a moist cake made from a box mix and a can of diet soda.
- 2-Ingredient Nutella Puff Pastry — flaky pastries with rich chocolate-hazelnut filling.
- 2-Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies — just bananas and oats for a naturally sweet, chewy snack.
- 2-Ingredient Microwave Vanilla Yogurt Mug Cake — a single-serving cake ready in minutes.
- Apple Brownies — moist, spiced bars full of tender apples for a lighter treat.
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cake — a hands-off, cozy dessert with tart cranberries and spiced apples.
- 3-Ingredient Applesauce Bundt Cake — an easy, moist cake made with a few pantry staples.
Helpful Articles & Tips for WeightWatchers
- A comprehensive guide to understanding the WeightWatchers program.
- Helpful articles and tips for following WeightWatchers.
- Ideas for what to eat in a day on WeightWatchers.
- Resources on zero-point foods and WeightWatchers-friendly meal plans.
- Motivation tips and workshop topics to support your goals.