These Blueberry Pie Cupcakes are the perfect combination of sweet vanilla cupcake, rich blueberry filling, and a swirl of luscious, blueberry-speckled frosting. Topped with a fun little garnish, each cupcake is like a mini blueberry pie with the light, fluffy texture of a cupcake. They’re perfect for any gathering and are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely, warm flavor.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries – The star of the filling, providing fruity sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling to complement the blueberries.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Adds a slight tang and enhances the blueberry flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water – Thickens the filling for a pie-like texture.
For the Blueberry Swirl Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and provides a smooth texture.
- 2-3 tbsp blueberry puree – Adds natural blueberry flavor and a beautiful purple hue.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Complements the blueberry flavor.
- A few drops of blue and purple food coloring (optional) – For a more vibrant look.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Mini pie crust cutouts or tiny cookies – Add a cute pie-like touch to each cupcake.
How to Make Blueberry Pie Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this to the blueberry mixture and stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Blueberry Swirl Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and blueberry puree, then mix until smooth. Add blue and purple food coloring if desired.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a beautiful swirl effect.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a hole in the center of each cooled cupcake.
- Spoon a bit of blueberry filling into each hole, filling it just to the top.
- Pipe the blueberry swirl frosting on top of each cupcake in a generous swirl.
- Garnish with a mini pie crust cutout or cookie for a charming pie-inspired touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries for the filling?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, and they’ll break down nicely in the saucepan.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the blueberry filling a day in advance. Store them separately and frost them before serving for the best texture.
3. How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
4. Do I need to use food coloring for the frosting?
Food coloring is optional. The blueberry puree naturally gives the frosting a purple hue, but food coloring can enhance the color if you want a bolder look.
5. What other fruits can I use for the filling?
You can try other berries like strawberries or raspberries. Adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.
6. Can I use store-bought blueberry jam instead of making the filling?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a good-quality blueberry jam can be used as a substitute for homemade filling.
Blueberry Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Description
Mini cupcakes filled with sweet blueberry filling, topped with blueberry swirl frosting, and garnished with a cute pie-inspired topper. Perfect for any special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
For the Blueberry Swirl Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp blueberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: blue and purple food coloring
For Garnish (Optional):
- Mini pie crust cutouts or tiny cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then alternate adding flour and milk. Divide batter and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the Blueberry Filling: Simmer blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
- Make the Blueberry Swirl Frosting: Cream butter, gradually add powdered sugar, then add vanilla and blueberry puree. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Core each cupcake, fill with blueberry filling, pipe frosting on top, and garnish with a mini pie crust or cookie.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; both work well.
- Frost the cupcakes right before serving for the best look.
- Adjust food coloring based on your preferred shade.