Apple Cider Cupcakes

5.0 from 13 votes

These Apple Cider Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for the fall season. Imagine the sweet and spicy flavors of apple cider wrapped up in the soft, fluffy goodness of a classic cupcake. It’s pure autumn delight!

Apple cider cupcakes are a unique twist on a classic dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. The subtle apple flavor pairs perfectly with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a crisp fall day.

Whether you’re hosting a fall-themed party or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy, apple cider cupcakes are a must-try dessert.

With the abundance of apples during the fall season, apple cider cupcakes are a great way to incorporate this delicious fruit into your baking. These cupcakes are easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different toppings and frostings.

Why You’re Going to Love These Apple Cider Cupcakes

• Moist and Flavorful Cake. The cake is super soft and moist, thanks to the spiced apple cider that is used in both the cake and frosting. Unlike other recipes that would need an apple cider reduction, you don’t need to do that with these cupcakes. The apple cider adds a subtle, yet delicious, apple flavor that is perfect for fall.

• Easy to Make. You just need to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine them, and bake. The recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.

• Perfect for Any Occasion. These cupcakes are perfect for any fall party or holiday gathering. They’re topped with an apple cider buttercream that is sure to impress your guests. You can also serve them as a special treat for weekend brunch or just something fun for family night.

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique cupcake flavor, you can’t go wrong with apple cider cupcakes. This recipe is perfect for fall, but it’s so tasty that you’ll want to make it all year round.

In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to make these cupcakes, including the ingredients you’ll need, the baking process, and some decorating tips.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk – you can substitute the buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• ½ cup apple cider – if you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice instead
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Apple Cider Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons apple cider

Topping

• Caramel Sauce
• Apple Slices

How to Make Apple Cider Cupcakes

Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Set it aside for now.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together, then add the brown sugar and mix until all the dry ingredients are well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk, oil, apple cider, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk everything together until you get a thick batter.

Fill the Liners: Using a 2-inch scooper or a ¼ cup measure, transfer the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill each liner about ¾ full.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Make the Buttercream: While the cupcakes are baking, start on the buttercream. In a bowl, combine the butter and powdered sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to blend until creamy. Add the salt, cinnamon, extracts, and apple cider, and mix again until the buttercream is smooth, creamy, and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Prepare for Piping: Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a metal tip of your choice.

Cool the Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool for about 30 minutes before frosting. Letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off. It will also give the cupcakes time to set and make them easier to handle.

Frost and Garnish: Pipe a swirl of buttercream from the outside inwards on top of each cupcake. Finish by drizzling caramel sauce and adding an apple slice on top.

Storing and Freshness

First and foremost, it is important to let the cupcakes cool completely before storing them. Placing warm cupcakes in an airtight container can cause condensation, making them soggy and ruining their texture.

Once cooled, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored properly, apple cider cupcakes can last for up to three days. However, it is important to note that the longer they are stored, the more their texture and flavor will deteriorate.

To keep your apple cider cupcakes fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. However, this can cause the cupcakes to dry out, so it is best to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container.

If you want to freeze your apple cider cupcakes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you modify a cake mix to create apple cider cupcakes?

If you want to use a cake mix to create apple cider cupcakes, you can simply substitute some of the liquid with apple cider. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of water, you can use 1 cup of apple cider instead. You can also add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake mix to give it a little extra flavor.

How can you make apple cider cupcakes healthier?

To make apple cider cupcakes healthier, you can substitute some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and use applesauce instead of oil. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, you can top the cupcakes with a low-fat cream cheese frosting or skip the frosting altogether and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.