Apple Cider Cupcakes

4.60 from 5 votes

Published on August 23, 2023

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Each bite of these fresh Apple Cider Cupcakes will remind you of Fall. From the soft and fluffy cupcakes to the creamy cinnamon frosting, it is a sweet apple treat.

Apple Cider Cupcakes

Enjoy all the flavors of Fall in these delicious Apple Cider Cupcakes. The apple cider gives this recipe the most wonderful apple flavor. You will love the buttercream frosting with the perfect hint of cinnamon.

If you love apple recipes, try this Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe. There is so much to love about Fall baking.

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

Unsalted Butter (softened)
Granulated Sugar
Large Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Apple Cider
All Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Ground Cinnamon
Salt

Frosting:

Unsalted Butter (Softened at room temperature.)
Brown Sugar
Powdered Sugar
Cinnamon
Vanilla Extract
Milk

How to make Apple Cider Cupcakes:

Step 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.

Step 2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

Step 3. Get out a separate mixing bowl. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer. Then mix in the eggs, vanilla extract and apple cider until well combined.

Step 4. Mix together the dry ingredients and wet ingredients. Then stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5. Fill the muffin tins with batter. Pour the batter into the cupcake tins filling them up approximately 2/3 of the way full.

Mixing bowl with ingredients being combined.

Step 6. Bake the cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the cupcakes comes out clean.
Step 7. Allow to completely cool. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.

How to make the frosting:

Step 1. Beat the butter and sugar. Mix together the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon with a hand held mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 2. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Slowly add in the powdered sugar until fully combined. Then add in the milk and mix until the frosting is a good piping consistency.

Frosting ingredients being combined and cupcakes decorated.

Step 3. Top the cupcakes with frosting. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!

Jump to recipe below for complete instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cupcakes with ice cream and caramel drizzle. It is also great with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee!

Storage:

Refrigerator:

Refrigerate the leftovers, covered, for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

Wrap the cupcakes in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer container. Freeze the plain cupcakes up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

If you are freezing the cupcakes frosted, flash freeze them for 1 to 2 hours on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a baking sheet. This will prevent the frosting from losing its shape.

Make Ahead Option

If you need to save time, make the cupcakes 2 days in advance. Store inside an airtight container at room temperature. Then frost as normal.

You can also make the frosting in advance if needed. Make the frosting up to 5 days ahead of time and store in the fridge.

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Apple juice does not have any pulp due to how it is filtered. It is pasteurized and has an extended shelf life.

Whereas apple cider has pulp and is not filtered. The shelf life is not as long since it is not pasteurized and requires refrigeration.

Can I make a cake with this recipe?

Yes, it is easy to make a cake with this this recipe. Spread the batter into a 9×13 baking pan or you can make a layer cake if desired. The baking time will vary based on what type of pan you use.

Bake the cake and allow to cool. Spread the frosting on top and enjoy.

Substitutions and Variations to try:

Swap the cider for apple juice. The taste and flavor will not be identical but it will still be tasty.
Nuts. Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter. It will give it a nice crunch.
Drizzle Caramel Sauce on top. Apple and caramel flavor combine perfectly. You can drizzle caramel sauce on top of the frosting for a pretty appearance and tasty treat.
Cream Cheese Frosting. This cupcake recipe is also wonderful with a cream cheese frosting. Try this instead of the cinnamon buttercream for an easy change of flavor.

Tips and Tricks:

Smooth on the frosting. Do not worry if you don’t have a piping bag. You can simply smooth on the frosting using a knife and then sprinkle cinnamon.
Scoop the flour with a spoon. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup. This is more accurate than dipping the measuring cup directly into the flour.
The cupcakes need to cool completely. Don’t frost the cupcakes while they are still warm. They need to be completely cool or the frosting will slide off and lose its shape.
Room temperature butter. The frosting is easier to combine, and the texture is smoother using room temperature butter. Soften the butter but do not melt it.