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Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a cozy, fall-inspired treat featuring warm spices and a moist apple cider-infused batter. Topped with a rich, aromatic buttercream frosting spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they capture the perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for autumn gatherings or festive occasions.

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 for later use.
  3. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar together until the texture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the batter.
  4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture while alternating with the apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners in the muffin tin, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and 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: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well between additions to achieve a smooth texture. Add the apple cider (adjust to taste for intensity), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  7. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously apply the spiced buttercream frosting to the top of each cupcake, creating an inviting swirl or layer.
  8. Serve: Optionally garnish each cupcake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small cinnamon stick for decoration. Enjoy these comforting, flavorful cupcakes perfect for fall and holiday occasions!

Notes

  • For a more intense apple cider flavor in the frosting, reduce the amount of cider used from 1/4 cup to 2 tablespoons.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • The spices used can be adjusted based on personal preference — adding more cinnamon enhances warmth, while increasing cloves intensifies the spiced profile.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use coconut or almond milk in place of buttermilk with a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, spiced buttercream, fall desserts, cinnamon cupcakes, autumn baking, holiday cupcakes

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/apple-cider-cupcakes-with-spiced-buttercream-frosting-recipe/