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Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

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Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a perfect autumn treat that combines the crisp, fresh flavors of apple cider with a warm, spiced buttercream frosting. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and have just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re celebrating fall, hosting a party, or craving a cozy dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup apple cider (reduce to concentrate for more intense flavor)

1/2 cup whole milk

For the Spiced Buttercream Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider and milk together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the apple cider mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Make the Spiced Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add the reduced apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more apple cider, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  3. Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the spiced buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or small apple slices for decoration.

Notes

For extra flavor, reduce the apple cider by simmering it on the stove until it becomes more concentrated before adding it to the frosting or batter!

Add a crumble topping (made with oats, butter, and brown sugar) before baking for extra texture.

Use maple syrup in the frosting for a deeper, richer flavor.

Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom to the batter for a more complex spice profile.

For an extra autumn touch, add chopped apples to the batter for chunks of fruit in every bite!

Nutrition

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