Description
Cinnamon Apple Cider Cupcakes are moist, spiced fall treats made with apple cider, cinnamon, and a tender cake base. Topped with creamy frosting and festive garnishes, they bring all the cozy flavors of autumn into one sweet bite—perfect for gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup apple cider (reduced slightly for stronger flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp apple pie spice or nutmeg
- Frosting: cream cheese frosting, cinnamon buttercream, or vanilla buttercream
- Garnishes: cinnamon sugar, apple slices, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting, cinnamon buttercream, or vanilla buttercream.
- Finish with cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle, or apple slices as garnish.
Notes
- For stronger apple flavor, reduce the cider by simmering until slightly thickened before using.
- Fill cupcakes with apple pie filling for a surprise center.
- Use caramel buttercream for a caramel apple-inspired variation.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.
- Store frosted cupcakes at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
