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Traditionally a delicious fall cupcake favorite, this apple cider cupcakes recipe, topped with a rich cinnamon buttercream frosting, will soon become a year-round favorite with your family! 

Nothing screams comfort than the inviting aromatic wafts of cinnamon and apples through a home.

This apple cider cupcake recipe is not just easy but one you will want to double to freeze a batch to enjoy that time of the year when it’s too hot to switch on the oven,

but all you need is a reminder that fall will soon be here!

Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Cider Cupcakes

Unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, apple cider, baking powder, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract.

(For detailed quantity breakdowns, scroll down to print the same)

You can serve these cupcakes as is, or to elevate flavors, frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (I use the same frosting recipe for cookies and cupcakes) or the cinnamon buttercream frosting recipe shared below.

Can I substitute apple juice for apple cider in this recipe?

While you can substitute, the flavor profiles won’t be the same. Apple cider has a more concentrated, pronounced flavor which really makes these cupcakes what they are. If you do use apple juice, I would recommend reducing it to make it a little more concentrated to accentuate the flavor.

What if I want a more concentrated apple cider flavor than what this recipe calls for?

To get a stronger apple cider flavor in your cupcakes, pour the apple cider into a saucepan and allow it to simmer on medium heat. This process will take a while, but you must reduce it to half the amount in the pan. Since this recipe calls for 1 cup of apple cider, you would need to simmer down 2 cups of apple cider to get a stronger, more concentrated flavor.

If my batter seems dry and not as cupcake batter should be, what should I do?

Add buttermilk (or milk) to make the batter more fluid. Add a tablespoon at a time and only as needed.

Buttermilk is great for adding moisture to the apple cider cupcake. 

How do I store apple cider cupcakes?

As with all cupcakes, allow the cupcakes to cool, once out of the oven, on a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, place the cupcakes in an airtight container. This will stay fresh for 2-3 days. 

I would then recommend moving this to the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days for optimum freshness.

Can I freeze apple cider cupcakes?

You sure can! I would recommend doing this, especially if you love homemade baked treats during the summer but don’t want to turn on that oven!

Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe bags or air-tight containers.

If possible, try and freeze this minus the frosting.

Whenever you plan to enjoy these, place the bag or container in the refrigerator overnight to allow the cupcakes to thaw gradually.

How to Make Apple Cider Cupcakes

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, line your cupcake tray with cupcake liners or grease and prep your cupcake pan if you prefer not to use liners. Set this aside to use once the batter is ready.
2. In your stand mixer (or bowl, if using a handheld mixer), combine the butter and sugar. 
3. Add to this mixture the apple cider, eggs, and sugar. Mix on low speed.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining dry ingredients- cinnamon, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix till this becomes a well-combined batter mixture.
6. Pour the prepared batter into each cupcake liner till 2/3rds of the way full.
7. Place the cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes or till the cupcake is done, using the toothpick test. (Insert the toothpick in a cupcake and pull it out. If the pick comes out clean, the cupcake is ready to come out of the oven.)
8. Set aside to cool before frosting.

See below for the printable recipe for the apple cider cupcakes and the frosting.

Easy Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe

Yield: 24-30

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 36 minutes

Delicious apple cider cupcakes with a hint of cinnamon, the perfect marriage of warm cozy fall flavors that may be enjoyed year-round!

Print

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Buttermilk/milk (only if needed)

Instructions

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, line your cupcake tray with cupcake liners or grease and prep your cupcake pan if you prefer not to use liners. Set this aside to use once the batter is ready.
2. In your stand mixer (or bowl, if using a handheld mixer), combine the butter and sugar. 
3. Add to this mixture the apple cider, eggs, and sugar. Mix on low speed.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining dry ingredients- cinnamon, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix till this becomes a well-combined batter mixture.
6. Pour the prepared batter into each cupcake liner till 2/3rds of the way full.
7. Place the cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes or till the cupcake is done, using the toothpick test. (Insert the toothpick in a cupcake and pull it out. If the pick comes out clean, the cupcake is ready to come out of the oven.)
8. Set aside to cool before frosting.

How to make Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Besides cream cheese frosting, cinnamon buttercream frosting is the perfect complement to an apple cider cupcake. 

How delicious does that look? 

Add a slice of apple right before serving, and your cupcakes will look stunning.

(Don’t add the slices till right before you serve your cupcakes, as they tend to brown if left out for a good while.)

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter- room temperature, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Sliced apples- to decorate
• Additional cinnamon powder- to sprinkle

Instructions

1. Cream softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder.
2. Add in the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, and mix well. 
3. Add in 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla. 
4. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then medium speed for about a minute. 
5. If the frosting doesn't seem creamy, add another tbsp of milk and mix well

Use a piping bag to frost your cupcakes. 

The height of your frosting depends on how much frosting you enjoy on your cupcake!

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Easy Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe

Delicious apple cider cupcakes with a hint of cinnamon, the perfect marriage of warm cozy fall flavors that may be enjoyed year-round!

Get the Recipe