Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat that captures the warm flavors of fall. These moist cupcakes infused with apple cider and warm spices pair perfectly with a creamy, spiced frosting. They make a comforting dessert for any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• For the Spiced Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider (reduce to 2 tablespoons for more flavor intensity)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
7. Step 7: Add the apple cider (use less for stronger flavor), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Step 8: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the spiced buttercream frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
9. Step 9: Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick. Serve and enjoy your cozy, fall-inspired cupcakes!

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled apple cider for a slightly tangier frosting and enhanced flavor.
• Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or sour cream if needed.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
• For a stronger spice flavor in the frosting, reduce the apple cider to 2 tablespoons as suggested.
• Consider using a cinnamon stick or apple slice as a creative garnish.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for best texture. Frosting can firm up in the fridge; gently soften by letting sit out or briefly whipping before reapplying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them unfrosted at room temperature, then frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I substitute apple cider with apple juice?

Apple juice can be used as a substitute, but it is usually sweeter and less tangy than cider. You might want to reduce any additional sugar slightly or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavor.

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

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Delight in the warm flavors of fall with these Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with a spiced buttercream frosting. Moist cupcakes infused with apple cider and aromatic spices are complemented perfectly by a creamy, cinnamon-spiced frosting, making these treats ideal for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

For the Spiced Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider (reduce to 2 tablespoons for more flavor intensity)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients—apple cider and buttermilk—to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Bake: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the lined muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Spiced Buttercream Frosting: Beat softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well between additions. Incorporate the apple cider (using less if you desire stronger flavor), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
7. Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the spiced buttercream generously over each cupcake.
8. Serve: Optionally garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick. Serve and enjoy these cozy, fall-inspired cupcakes.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
• Reduce the apple cider in the frosting for a more intense spice flavor.
• Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
• Use fresh spices for the best aromatic experience.

Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, fall cupcakes, spiced buttercream, autumn dessert, cinnamon cupcakes, homemade cupcakes