When the leaves start to fall and apple orchards are in full swing, nothing says cozy autumn like a batch of Apple Cider Cupcakes. These moist, spiced cupcakes capture the essence of fall in every bite. Made with real apple cider, applesauce, and a blend of warming spices, they’re topped with a swirl of homemade spiced buttercream frosting.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or just a cozy weekend bake, these cupcakes are a festive treat everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Cupcakes
Apple cider cupcakes aren’t just another fall dessert – they’re the perfect mix of light, moist cake and rich, spiced frosting. The apple cider and applesauce keep the crumb tender and flavorful, while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring all the cozy fall vibes.
Best of all, these cupcakes are gluten-free friendly and can easily be made dairy-free, making them perfect for sharing.
Key Ingredients
- Apple Cider: Brings moisture and that classic fall apple flavor.
- Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cupcakes soft.
- Oat Flour or Gluten-Free Blend: A wholesome alternative to regular flour.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves make these cupcakes taste like fall in a bite.
- Spiced Buttercream: Sweet, fluffy frosting flavored with apple cider and cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Make the Cupcake Batter
Mix oat flour (or gluten-free flour), baking powder, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar, then beat in applesauce, apple cider, vanilla, and eggs. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
2. Bake the Cupcakes
Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, fill each about ¾ full, and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch.
3. Make the Spiced Buttercream
Beat softened butter with apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Adjust with more cider for a softer consistency.
4. Frost & Garnish
Once cooled, frost cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a fresh apple slice for a festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Use high-quality oat flour for the best texture.
- Spray cupcake liners to prevent sticking if using gluten-free flours.
- Don’t overmix the batter – keep it light and airy.
- Chill cupcakes before frosting to help the buttercream set beautifully.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on a fall dessert platter with pumpkin bars and pecan cookies.
- Pair with a hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.
- Top with caramel drizzle for an indulgent twist.
Storage & Freezing
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months, then frost before serving.
A Must-Try Fall Dessert
Apple Cider Cupcakes bring together everything we love about fall: cozy spices, sweet apples, and fluffy cake topped with luscious frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a treat at home, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
Save this recipe to your fall baking board and enjoy a bite of autumn bliss! 🍎🧁🍂
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Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
These Apple Cider Cupcakes are moist, spiced, and topped with a rich buttercream frosting. Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly, they’re the perfect fall dessert for Thanksgiving or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup oat flour or GF all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- Pinch of cloves
- 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in a bowl.
- Cream butter and brown sugar, then add applesauce, apple cider, vanilla, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Fill liners 3/4 full and bake 18–22 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For buttercream: Beat butter, apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered sugar until fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish as desired.
Notes
Use fine oat flour for best results. Spray liners to prevent sticking. Store cupcakes in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze unfrosted for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 277
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, fall cupcakes, gluten free cupcake recipe, spiced buttercream, Thanksgiving dessert
