Description
These spiced apple cider cupcakes capture the warm, cozy flavors of autumn in every bite. Perfect for a crisp afternoon, a festive gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, they combine tender apples, warming spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Inspired by the classic taste of apple cider, these cupcakes are a seasonal favorite that bring the flavors of fall straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
-
1/4 tsp ground cloves
-
1/4 tsp ground ginger
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup apple cider
-
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
-
1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
For the Frosting:
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnishes:
-
Small apple slices or apple chips
-
Light dusting of cinnamon
-
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly grease the liners.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
-
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
-
Add the apple cider and applesauce to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
-
Fold in the chopped apples gently.
-
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
-
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon.
-
Frost the cooled cupcakes and optionally garnish with apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
-
Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
-
Fresh spices will give a more vibrant flavor.
-
Cupcakes can be made a day ahead; frost the day of serving.
-
Both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes freeze well; thaw frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator.
-
Adjust spices or sugar to taste if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes