Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting: A Cozy Fall Delight 🎃🍎🧁

1. Introduction

Welcome to your next favorite fall dessert recipe! These Apple Cider Cupcakes are infused with the warm, spiced flavors of apple cider and topped with a luscious spiced buttercream frosting. Perfect for pumpkin patches, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying autumn’s flavors at home, these cupcakes combine moisture, spice, and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises to wow your family and friends with its rich taste and beautiful presentation.

2. Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Spiced Buttercream Frosting & Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider (reserved)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

4. Instructions for Making Apple Cider Cupcakes

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners to make cleanup easier and baking more festive.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents for a fluffy texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Blend Wet and Dry

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

5. Making Spiced Buttercream Frosting

Beat the Butter

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the softened butter until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating on low speed. Once incorporated, increase to high and beat until smooth.

Incorporate Spices and Cider

Add the ground cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider. Mix until well combined and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with additional cider if needed to create a smooth piping texture.

6. Decorating Your Apple Cider Cupcakes

Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Decorate each cupcake with swirls or rosettes, then garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small apple slice for extra flair. For an added touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or caramel bits on top.

7. Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions

Store these apple cider cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To preserve their moistness, bring them to room temperature before serving. Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or a latte for a true fall experience, or serve alongside a warm apple crisp for a decadent dessert spread.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cider Cupcakes

Can I substitute apple cider with apple juice?

Yes, but note that apple cider provides a richer, more intense flavor, whereas apple juice is milder. For best results, use fresh apple cider or its non-alcoholic equivalent.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free frosting recipe. These adjustments still yield delicious, moist cupcakes.

How long does it take to make these cupcakes?

The total time, including prep, baking, and cooling, is approximately 1 hour. The actual hands-on time is about 30 minutes.

9. Conclusion

Enjoy the cozy aroma and delightful flavors of these Apple Cider Cupcakes with their spiced buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to a sweet fall indulgence, this fall dessert recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to explore the great kitchen tools listed below to enhance your baking experience and make this project even more enjoyable!

Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Perfect for smoothly mixing your frosting and batter, reducing manual effort.
• EUHOMY Portable Rapid Ice Maker — Keep your drinks cool while enjoying your fall treats.
• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures easy baking and cleanup for all your cupcake needs.
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Use for quick reheating or roasting extra apple slices to garnish.

Enjoy baking these delightful Apple Cider Cupcakes and savoring every cozy, spiced bite!

Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of autumn with these irresistibly moist Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a cozy treat at home, these cupcakes feature the rich taste of apple cider infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all crowned with a luscious spiced buttercream frosting. Celebrate the season with this delightful fall dessert that combines moisture, spice, and sweetness in every bite.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form a smooth batter.
5. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Prepare the buttercream frosting: beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar while beating on low. Mix in cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of reserved apple cider until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cider if needed.
7. Transfer frosting to a piping bag and decorate cooled cupcakes with swirls or rosettes. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or small apple slices.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
• Adjust spice levels according to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Let cupcakes reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

• Author: Serena Miller
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 330 Kcal
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg