Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting – Best Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall. These cupcakes blend the warmth of apple cider, the richness of applesauce, and a blend of seasonal spices into a moist, fluffy base. Topped with a decadent spiced buttercream frosting, these cupcakes bring the best of autumn into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet moment, these cupcakes make for a delightful, comforting dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert: warm, flavorful, and indulgent. The cupcakes are naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of oat flour, and they’re made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce and brown sugar. The spiced buttercream frosting provides the perfect finishing touch, offering just the right amount of sweetness and spice without overpowering the flavors of the cupcake itself. These cupcakes are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, satisfying both those with dietary preferences and those who simply crave a classic autumn treat.

Ingredients For Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

Apple Cider Cupcakes

• Oat Flour: Provides a hearty, gluten-free base for the cupcakes, giving them a soft and tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a signature fall flavor.
• Nutmeg: Deepens the spiced profile of the cupcakes.
• Allspice: Complements the cinnamon and nutmeg, contributing to the cozy fall flavor.
• Cloves: A pinch of cloves adds a little extra warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the batter. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Applesauce: Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a natural sweetness.
• Apple Cider: Infuses the cupcakes with the unmistakable flavor of apple cider, making them a perfect fall treat.
• Vanilla: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the cupcakes.

Spiced Buttercream Frosting

• Butter: Forms the base of the frosting, contributing to its smooth texture.
• Apple Cider: Adds a subtle apple flavor to the frosting and helps thin it to the right consistency.
• Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, comforting spice to complement the flavor of the cupcakes.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth to the spiced frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Flour: If you prefer not to use oat flour, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to adjust the measurements according to the brand’s guidelines.
• Dairy-Free Butter: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Applesauce: If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for a slight variation in flavor.
• Apple Cider Substitute: If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until evenly mixed.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer until fluffy. Add the applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Beat in the eggs until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until you have a smooth cupcake batter.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using oat flour, let the batter sit while the oven preheats. If you’re using another flour, go ahead and preheat the oven first.
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray with non-stick spray. Fill each liner about three-quarters full with the cupcake batter.
6. Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them.
8. Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened butter with 1 tablespoon of apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more apple cider until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the spiced buttercream frosting over each one. Optional: Add sprinkles or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra fall flair.

Tips & Tricks

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Testing Doneness: To check if your cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add more apple cider or milk.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or cider. For a fun twist, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of caramelized nuts. For a gluten-free and dairy-free alternative, try substituting coconut oil and a dairy-free butter alternative in both the cupcake batter and frosting.

If you want to make these cupcakes a bit more festive, consider adding a few teaspoons of caramel syrup to the frosting or drizzle it over the top before serving.

Why These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting Are Perfect for Fall

These cupcakes are a quintessential fall dessert, combining the cozy flavors of apple cider and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The moist cupcakes paired with the creamy, spiced buttercream frosting make them a treat that everyone will crave. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just enjoying the season, these Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting will be your new favorite fall indulgence.

Conclusion

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a perfect combination of moist, flavorful cupcakes and sweet, spiced frosting that will make your fall celebrations even more memorable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply as a cozy treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to delight. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and a comforting flavor profile, this recipe is bound to become a fall favorite. So grab your apron, bake up these delicious cupcakes, and enjoy the cozy, warm flavors of autumn in every bite!

FAQ About Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

More Relevant Recipes

• Homemade Apple Jam
• Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie
• Taiyaki

Print