Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Deliciously tender cupcakes infused with apple cider and topped with a spiced buttercream frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup fresh apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider for frosting
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for frosting
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg for frosting
- Pinch of salt for frosting
- 1 tbsp heavy cream optional, for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugars with a hand mixer until fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and apple cider to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat room temperature butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and apple cider, beating until combined. Adjust consistency with heavy cream if necessary.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
Notes
For a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg. Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three days.