Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Moist and flavorful, they combine the sweetness of apple cider with warm spices and a creamy, cinnamon-infused frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1⅔ cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup apple cider
• ⅔ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• For the frosting:
• 1 cup softened butter
• 3 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a standard muffin tin with paper or foil cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. Step 5: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the apple cider to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
7. Step 7: Bake for 17 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, whip together softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
9. Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
10. Step 10: Add milk a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and frost the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with an apple slice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra apple flavor, add finely chopped apples or a sprinkle of apple pie spice to the batter.
• Use a dollop of cream cheese frosting mixed with cinnamon for a tangier variation.
• If you don’t have apple cider, substitute with unsweetened apple juice or diluted apple sauce for moisture.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your home is warm, refrigerate them to keep the frosting firm, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for best results and check the baking powder is gluten-free.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely. The spiced buttercream frosting can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, then let it come to room temperature and re-whip before frosting the cupcakes.

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with a rich Spiced Buttercream Frosting. Infused with warming cinnamon and made with real apple cider, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a cozy dessert.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes:

• 2 eggs
• 1⅔ cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup apple cider
• ⅔ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 3 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cupcakes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated, ensuring a well-emulsified batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spice throughout the batter.
4. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider: Gradually add the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture in alternating batches, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently to combine, avoiding overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
5. Prepare Cupcake Tin: Line a standard muffin or cupcake tin with paper or foil liners, ensuring an easy release and clean presentation.
6. Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
8. Make Frosting: Using a mixer, whip the softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
10. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk in small increments to achieve your desired frosting consistency, adding more for a thinner spread or piping consistency.
11. Frost Cupcakes: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and decorate each cooled cupcake with the spiced buttercream evenly.
12. Optional Garnish: Garnish each cupcake with a thin apple slice on top for an attractive and thematic finish.
13. Storage: Store cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
• Using paper or foil cupcake liners will help with easy removal and cleaner presentation.
• For thicker frosting, limit the amount of milk added; add slowly until desired consistency is reached.
• Optional garnish of thin apple slices adds a decorative and flavorful touch.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.

Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, spiced buttercream frosting, cinnamon cupcakes, fall desserts, autumn cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe