Embrace the Essence of Autumn in Every Bite
Fall is a season of cozy sweaters, crisp air, and the warm, comforting flavors of freshly pressed apple cider. What better way to celebrate this beautiful time of year than with our irresistible Apple Cider Cupcake recipe? These moist and fluffy treats capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The aroma alone will transport you to an orchard on a crisp, sunny day. Topped with a velvety swirl of cinnamon-spiced brown sugar frosting and a wedge of crisp apple, these cupcakes are not only a culinary delight but also a visual masterpiece. Each bite is like a warm hug, comforting and satisfying to the core.
Supplies and Equipment Needed:
Before you start baking these delectable Apple Cider Cupcakes, ensure you have the following supplies and equipment ready:
- Cupcake Pan
- Cupcake Liners
- Stand Mixer (or a hand mixer)
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Piping Bag with Large Star Tip
- Apple Slicer (for decoration)
- Toothpick (for testing cupcakes)
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Sliced apple pieces
- Cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set it aside.
- Making the Cupcakes: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Cream the ingredients until smooth.
- Adding the Wet Ingredients: Add in the apple cider and eggs to the mixture and mix well until fully combined.
Incorporate the Flour: Combine the flour with the mixture and mix on medium speed for two minutes until you have a smooth batter.
Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner until they are about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 14-16 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before decorating.
Creating the Frosting: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cream these ingredients until smooth.
Sweetening It Up: Add in the powdered sugar and mix well. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then switch to medium speed for about a minute. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides, and mix again. If the frosting appears too lumpy and dry, add another tablespoon of milk only if needed. Mix again.
Decorate with Love: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.
Final Touch: Decorate with a slice of apple if desired and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for that extra flavor and charm. Your Apple Cider Cupcakes are ready to enjoy!
These Apple Cider Cupcakes are a delightful way to savor the flavors of fall. With the warm spices, the sweet apple cider, and the heavenly frosting, they are the perfect treat for autumn gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Embrace the essence of the season with every moist and fluffy bite.
Storage Tip: Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remember, the apples used for decoration may release some moisture, so it’s best to decorate them immediately before serving.
Fall Delights: Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Stand Mixer (or a hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping Bag with Large Star Tip
- Apple Slicer (for decoration)
- Toothpick (for testing cupcakes)
- – Cooling rack
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Sliced apple pieces
- Cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set it aside.
- Making the Cupcakes: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Cream the ingredients until smooth.
- Adding the Wet Ingredients: Add in the apple cider and eggs to the mixture and mix well until fully combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Combine the flour with the mixture and mix on medium speed for two minutes until you have a smooth batter.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner until they are about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 14-16 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before decorating.
- Creating the Frosting: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cream these ingredients until smooth.
- Sweetening It Up: Add in the powdered sugar and mix well. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then switch to medium speed for about a minute. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides, and mix again. If the frosting appears too lumpy and dry, add another tablespoon of milk only if needed. Mix again.
- Decorate with Love: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.
- Final Touch: Decorate with a slice of apple if desired and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for that extra flavor and charm. Your Apple Cider Cupcakes are ready to enjoy!