There is something utterly magical about Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes that captures the spirit of cozy autumn days and warm kitchen memories. These cupcakes combine the sweet tang of apple cider, fragrant cinnamon, and a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting to create a delightful treat that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. Bite after bite, you’ll relish the soft, spiced cake, the tender spiced apple filling nestled inside, and that silky frosting that pulls everything together into a perfect harmony of flavors. If you’re looking for a cupcake that’s bursting with seasonal charm and a little extra love, these Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to bake these cupcakes is a joy in itself because the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward—but each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the spiced apple filling to the rich brown butter frosting, every component enhances the final cupcake experience.

Apple cider: Reducing it adds concentrated sweetness and tang that infuses both the cake and the filling.
Unsalted brown butter: Brings a deep, nutty richness that makes the cupcakes extraordinary.
Diced apples: Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and texture for the filling.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: These balance sweetness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: The quintessential spices that bring warmth and a little spice magic.
Cake flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides the perfect structure with a soft, fine crumb.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the frosting, complementing the sweetness perfectly.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling so it holds together delightfully inside the cupcake.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

This is where the magic begins. Simmering 2 cups of apple cider down to half its volume concentrates the sweet, apple-y flavors into a rich, syrupy reduction. It takes about 15 minutes of gentle simmering and occasional stirring, but this stage sets a flavorful foundation for both the cupcake batter and the filling. Be sure to let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling

Next, tender diced apples come together with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and some of that fresh apple cider reduction. Cooking this mixture until the apples soften and melding it with a cornstarch slurry to thicken creates a luscious filling that bursts with cozy, spiced apple goodness. Once thickened, it needs to cool and chill thoroughly to hold its shape when stuffed inside the cupcakes later.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

The cupcake batter is a dream blend of melted brown butter, sugars, and signature spices whisked into a mixture of cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. The apple cider reduction is folded in to add moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the flavors beautifully. Whisk everything just until combined to keep the batter light and airy—this is how you get soft, tender cupcakes with that unmistakable spice and apple essence.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill your prepared cupcake liners halfway to give these cupcakes room to rise and develop a tender crumb. Baking at 350°F for 18-22 minutes bakes them to golden perfection—just until a tester emerges clean. Cooling completely before adding the filling and frosting is essential so those luscious layers stay intact and look picture-perfect.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcakes with Spiced Apple

Once cooled, hollow out a little well in each cupcake’s center and spoon in the chilled spiced apple filling. This step injects a burst of juicy sweetness and textural contrast with every bite. The surprise of the apple center elevates these cupcakes beyond the ordinary and makes them feel truly special.

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is where indulgence shines brightest. Creaming together softened brown butter and cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth base. Gradually adding powdered sugar and cinnamon, along with a splash of the apple cider reduction, turns it into a light, fluffy, and deeply flavorful topping with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. Beat it well for that airy cloud-like texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish the Cupcakes

Pipe or spread the frost generously over the filled cupcakes, then add final touches like cinnamon sticks and lemon-soaked apple slices for a beautiful and aromatic garnish. The apple slices not only look stunning but add a fresh bite that perfectly complements the cupcake’s spiced richness. This finishing step transforms these treats into showstoppers ready to impress.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes

Garnishes

To make your Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes feel extra festive and inviting, garnish with thin apple slices soaked briefly in lemon juice to prevent browning and add a cinnamon stick for an aromatic flourish. These simple touches add visual appeal and invite guests to savor every bite.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair beautifully with a warm drink like chai tea, hot apple cider, or a creamy latte. For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside crisp, refreshing salads or caramelized nuts to balance the cupcakes’ sweetness with crunchy texture and light acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cupcakes in rustic wooden crates or on autumn-themed platters with cinnamon sticks scattered artistically. Wrapping a little twine around each cupcake liner or topping each one with an edible flower or candied apple slice will bring a personalized and creative flair that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your event, keep any leftover Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay cool, and this method keeps the cupcakes moist and fresh for up to 3 days without losing texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cupcakes at a later time, you can freeze them. It’s best to freeze unfrosted cupcakes individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed inside a freezer bag. Frozen cupcakes can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving for best results.

Reheating

For serving, warm unfrosted cupcakes gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their softness before adding frosting. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes to keep the frosting from melting. Room temperature cupcakes enjoy the best texture and flavor as well.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! While cake flour creates a lighter, softer cupcake texture, all-purpose flour works just fine. Just be careful to not overmix the batter to maintain tenderness.

How do I keep the apple slices from browning?

Soaking apple slices in a little lemon juice or a mix of lemon juice and water for a few minutes before garnishing helps prevent them from browning and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant.

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making the spiced apple filling a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Is it necessary to use brown butter?

Brown butter adds a rich, toasty depth that elevates the cupcakes, but if you’re pressed for time, melted unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. The flavor just won’t be quite as intense.

How do I avoid the filling leaking out during baking?

It’s best to fill the cupcakes after they’ve completely cooled. If you fill them before baking, the filling will sink and leak. Cooling ensures the batter sets fully, trapping the spiced apple layer inside perfectly.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes are pure comfort wrapped in festive flavors that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Baking them is a treat in itself, and savoring each bite is even better. If you’re ready to enjoy a seasonal indulgence that feels like a warm hug, be sure to make these cupcakes soon—you won’t regret it.

Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe

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Delight in these moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes featuring a spiced apple filling and topped with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and the tang of apple cider, these cupcakes are an autumnal treat that combine tender cake, sweet filling, and creamy frosting for an irresistible dessert.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

2 cups apple cider
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cups diced apples (about 2 to 3 medium apples)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp apple cider reduction
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp water

Cupcakes

1/2 cup melted unsalted brown butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup apple cider reduction

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup unsalted brown butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp apple cider reduction (plus extra if desired)

Garnish

Apple slices
Cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer 2 cups of apple cider until it reduces by half, which should take about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the apple cider reduction to cool completely before using.
Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling: Peel and finely dice 2 to 3 medium apples. In a large pot over medium heat, combine diced apples, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp apple cider reduction from Step 1. Cook gently for 10-15 minutes until apples soften. Mix 2 tsp cornstarch and 2 tsp water to form a slurry, add to the apple mixture, and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and chill the filling in the fridge once cooled.
Make the Cupcake Batter: Whisk together 1 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk melted brown butter, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Add 2 large eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla extract; whisk until combined. Gradually mix in half the flour mixture, then add 1/2 cup apple cider reduction, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with liners and fill each about halfway with 1/4 cup batter. Bake 18-22 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before filling and frosting.
Fill the Cupcakes with Spiced Apple: Using a cupcake corer or small knife, remove the center from each cooled cupcake. Fill each cavity with 1-2 teaspoons of the chilled spiced apple filling prepared earlier.
Prepare the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixer with paddle attachment, beat 1 cup unsalted brown butter and 4 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; mix on low until combined. Gradually beat in 2 tbsp apple cider reduction and continue on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add extra apple cider reduction if desired for more flavor.
Frost and Garnish the Cupcakes: Frost the filled cupcakes evenly with the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh apple slices (soaked briefly in lemon juice to prevent browning), and cinnamon sticks. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the apple cider reduction in advance to allow it to cool completely.
Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting to prevent melting or sinking.
Soak apple slices in lemon juice for a few minutes before garnishing to keep them from browning.
You can make extra apple cider reduction for drizzling over the finished cupcakes for added moisture and flavor.
If you don’t have cake flour, all-purpose flour can be used but may result in a slightly denser cupcake.
Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for better batter and frosting consistency.
The brown butter adds a nutty flavor but can be made with regular melted butter in a pinch.