There’s something magical about autumn. As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, our cravings shift; suddenly, warm spices, ripe apples, and comforting scents dance through our kitchens. One particular recipe has become my go-to for welcoming fall: Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting. With every bite, these cupcakes encapsulate the essence of autumn and evoke memories of apple picking with family, laughter echoing through orchards, and the delightful aroma of apple cider simmering on the stove.
These cupcakes aren’t just a treat; they’re a celebration! The gentle sweetness of the apple cider combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a perfectly cozy indulgence. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. So, let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe that’ll leave your kitchen smelling like a fall festival!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 22 minutes
- Total Duration: 37 minutes
- Portion Size: 12 cupcakes
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approx. 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fats: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
These Apple Cider Cupcakes are the embodiment of autumn delights. They’re soft, flavorful, and topped with a velvety spiced buttercream frosting that elevates each bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes provide a comforting, nostalgic flavor that brings warmth to any occasion. Plus, they’re made with gluten-free oat flour, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on a delightful cooking journey together! Each step is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that your Apple Cider Cupcakes come out perfect every time. Just imagine the laughter and conversations that will fill your kitchen as you bake—this is what food is all about!
Ingredients:
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For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free) or gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- Pinch of cloves
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil/dairy-free butter alternative)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
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For Spiced Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1-2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Method:
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, ensuring a blend of those lovely warm spices.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar. The aim here is to create a simple, sweet base for your cupcakes. Add in the applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla, mixing until well combined—it should smell delightful!
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs for about a minute to incorporate them into the batter, giving it a rich texture.
Step 4: Mix to Form Cake Batter
Stir in the combined dry ingredients to create a smooth batter. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the cupcake pan.
Step 6: Prepare Cupcake Liners
Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray them lightly with non-stick spray for easy removal later.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Fill the liners about 3/4 full and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re ready when the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean—this moment is pure bliss!
Step 8: Mix Frosting Ingredients
For the frosting, mix the softened butter, 1 tbsp apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until everything is well combined and fluffy.
Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Keep mixing until it’s light and fluffy, adding more apple cider as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, it’s time to frost them! It’s truly the best part—get creative and decorate them to your liking!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cupcakes shine on their own but pair wonderfully with warm drinks. Consider serving them with spiced apple cider, coffee, or even a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent twist. They’re also perfect for autumn gatherings, school bake sales, or simply as a sweet surprise for your family!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for about a week. You can also freeze them—just make sure they’re well-wrapped! They can be frozen for up to 3 months; allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Oven Thermometer: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to add chopped apples, nuts, or even caramel sauce into the batter for added texture and flavor. You could also swap out the spiced buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a delicious twist!
Reader Questions & Solutions
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Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
- Yes! This recipe works perfectly with regular all-purpose flour. Just follow the same measurements.
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How do I know if my cupcakes are done?
- They are done when they spring back upon touching and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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What can I substitute for applesauce?
- You can use mashed bananas or yogurt as a substitute for applesauce, keeping in mind this will slightly alter the flavor.
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How do I make the frosting creamier?
- If your frosting is too thick, add milk or apple cider gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
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Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake them fresh or bake and frost them a day ahead; just store them properly to maintain freshness.
Wrapping Up
Baking these Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting is about more than just dessert—it’s about creating moments filled with joy, warmth, and sweetness. This recipe invites you to savor the season and the love that goes into sharing food with others. So gather your ingredients, bring out your mixing bowls, and dive into this delightful baking adventure. Remember, every cupcake has a story, and this one is waiting to be shared! Enjoy baking and cherishing the moments they create!
Print
Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Delightful autumn-inspired cupcakes infused with apple cider and cozy spices, topped with a velvety spiced buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free) or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- Pinch of cloves
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil/dairy-free butter alternative)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for frosting)
- Pinch of nutmeg (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together melted butter and brown sugar. Add applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs until incorporated.
- Stir in dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray with non-stick spray.
- Fill the liners about 3/4 full and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- For the frosting, mix softened butter, 1 tbsp apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy, adding more apple cider as needed.
- Once cupcakes are cooled, frost them to your liking.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
