Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the spiced buttercream generously over each cupcake.
- 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
