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Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Recipe
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4.8 from 8 reviews

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting bring the cozy flavors of fall into a delightful treat. Moist cupcakes infused with warm spices and apple cider are topped with a light, fluffy spiced buttercream that perfectly complements the cake’s autumnal taste, making these cupcakes an ideal dessert for festive gatherings or a comforting snack.

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, nutmeg, 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 the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to blend the flavors.
  4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in tough cupcakes.
  5. Bake: Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners in your prepared muffin tin. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer 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, mixing well after each addition to maintain a light texture. Incorporate the apple cider (adjust quantity for flavor intensity), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
  7. Frost the Cupcakes: When the cupcakes have completely cooled, pipe or spread the spiced buttercream frosting generously over each one for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
  8. Serve: Optionally, garnish the cupcakes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a festive appearance. Enjoy these irresistibly cozy apple cider cupcakes!

Notes

  • To intensify the apple cider flavor in the frosting, reduce the amount from 1/4 cup to 2 tablespoons.
  • Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • You can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice if desired.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, spiced buttercream frosting, fall desserts, cinnamon cupcakes, autumn recipes

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