Go Back
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg - 1/2 tsp salt - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons apple cider - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt When making my apple cider cupcakes, I like to start with the dry ingredients. Using quality all-purpose flour makes a big difference. I combine it with baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices bring warmth and flavor. Next, I move to the wet ingredients. I use fresh apple cider for a rich taste. The butter should be softened for easy mixing. I blend it with granulated sugar until creamy. Then, I add the eggs, one at a time, and finish with a splash of vanilla extract. This brings in sweetness and depth. For the buttercream frosting, I again use softened butter. I mix in powdered sugar slowly to avoid a sugary cloud. Apple cider adds a twist, and ground cinnamon enhances the flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. This frosting is smooth and easy to spread. By using these fresh and simple ingredients, I create a treat that is both tasty and special. - Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcake tin Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners. This helps with easy removal. - Step 2: Simmer and cool apple cider Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small pot. Heat it over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This makes the flavor stronger. Let it cool before using. - Step 3: Cream butter and sugar In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mix is light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter. - Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla extract Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Next, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix it in. - Step 5: Whisk together dry ingredients In another bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well combined. - Step 6: Mix dry and wet ingredients Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate it with the cooled apple cider. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing. - Step 7: Fill cupcake liners and bake Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill each one about 2/3 full. This allows room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. - Step 8: Check for doneness Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are done. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. - Step 9: Beat softened butter and mix in powdered sugar In a new mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter until creamy. Slowly add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. - Step 10: Add apple cider and cinnamon to achieve desired consistency Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Adjust the mix with more cider if needed to get the right texture. Your buttercream should be smooth and spreadable. - To make fluffy cupcakes, use room temperature butter and eggs. - Cream butter and sugar well. This adds air and lightens the batter. - Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup, then level it off. Too much flour makes cupcakes dense. - For the best buttercream texture, use softened butter. This helps it blend smoothly. - Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid clouds of sugar. Mix until fluffy. - If your frosting is too thick, add more apple cider a teaspoon at a time. - Garnish cupcakes with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It adds a nice touch. - You can place a thin apple slice on each cupcake for a fun look. - Arrange the cupcakes on a pretty plate or stand for serving. This makes them more inviting. {{image_2}} To make your apple cider cupcakes even more exciting, try adding different spices. You can mix in nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick. A dash of cloves can bring a festive feel. You can also add apple chunks or raisins to the batter. This adds a nice texture and fruity bite. Just chop the apples into small pieces. Toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the mix. This helps keep them from sinking. If you want a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. This keeps the cupcakes light while boosting their health benefits. Reducing sugar content is another way to make these cupcakes better for you. Try cutting the sugar by a third. You still get sweetness but less guilt. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Buttercream frosting can be fun to change up. You can add different flavors like maple or caramel. Just mix in these flavors when you beat the butter. This adds a new twist to your cupcakes. For those avoiding dairy, there are vegan options. Use coconut cream or vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can still enjoy a creamy and tasty frosting. Just add a bit of plant-based milk to get the right texture. To keep your apple cider cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps protect them from air and moisture. You can also keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge. Just remember to let them sit at room temp before serving. This will help bring back their soft texture. You can freeze un-frosted cupcakes easily. To do this, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. After they are thawed, frost them with your buttercream. Now, you're all set to serve a tasty treat! Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time. Bake the cupcakes and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can frost them on the day you plan to serve. If you don't have apple cider, you can use apple juice. You can also try a mix of water and a bit of lemon juice for a tangy flavor. The taste may be slightly different but still tasty. To check if your cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready. This usually takes about 18-20 minutes in the oven. Yes, you can use a different frosting! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream are great options. They add a nice flavor that pairs well with apple cider cupcakes. Choose what you enjoy most. To make these cupcakes gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has a good balance of starch and protein. You may also need to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. These cupcakes combine tasty apple cider with simple ingredients for a delightful treat. You learned about essential components, like flour, butter, and sugar, and the steps to bake them perfectly. Remember to measure well and keep your cupcakes fluffy. Feel free to try different flavors or healthier options. Enjoy storing and serving these treats for friends and family. Your baking can create sweet moments worth sharing. Dive into this recipe and let your creativity shine!

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Buttercream

Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Apple Cider Cupcakes with Buttercream frosting! Bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg, these moist cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. Learn how to create this delightful treat from start to finish, including tips for presentation! Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this easy-to-make dessert. #AppleCiderCupcakes #FallBaking #CupcakeRecipes #DessertIdeas
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons apple cider

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

    Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (this intensifies the flavor). Allow it to cool.

      In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

        Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.

          In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

            Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the cooled apple cider. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

              Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  For the buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider and ground cinnamon, mixing until combined and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cider if necessary.

                    Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them generously with the buttercream using a piping bag or a knife.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 cupcakes

                        - Presentation Tips: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting or place a thin apple slice on each cupcake for an eye-catching finish. Enjoy your delightful apple cider cupcakes!