Description
Apple Cider Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and infused with warm fall spices, perfectly capturing the cozy flavors of autumn. Topped with a dreamy swirl of spiced buttercream made with reduced apple cider, they bring the comfort of a fall day at the cider mill straight to your kitchen. Ideal for fall gatherings, bake sales, or festive treats.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3/4 cup apple cider
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1/4 cup buttermilk
For the Spiced Buttercream:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons reduced apple cider
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
Cupcakes:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients with apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry mix.
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Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners.
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Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cool completely before frosting.
Buttercream:
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Beat butter until creamy.
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Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
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Add reduced apple cider, vanilla, spices, and salt.
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Beat until fluffy, then frost cooled cupcakes.
Notes
Reducing the apple cider intensifies flavor and prevents runny frosting.
Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness—avoid skipping if possible.
Use room-temperature ingredients for best mixing.
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; frost after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American