Tired of biting into bland fall treats? Enter apple cider cupcakes, the spiced-up, flavor-packed alternative that puts your PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) to shame! These cupcakes burst with sweet, tangy cider flavor, perfect for those who crave more than just pumpkin everything. With a soft, moist crumb and a touch of warming spices, these cupcakes scream “autumn” in every bite. So, why settle for another boring apple pie? Grab your mixer and prepare to impress. Because let’s face it, you’re not here to make average desserts. You’re here to win fall.
Apple Cider Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Apple Cider: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting: Top with a cream cheese or cinnamon buttercream frosting for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Notes
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Calcium: 3%
- Iron: 5%
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Potassium: 2%
- For a stronger apple flavor, reduce the cider to half over medium heat to concentrate before adding it to the batter.
- Swap half of the butter for applesauce for a lighter cupcake.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the cupcakes before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Summary of the Recipe
Apple cider cupcakes offer a moist, spiced flavor with a delightful apple cider kick, perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a taste of autumn.
Servings
12 cupcakes
Estimated Cost of the Recipe
$10 – $15
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Required Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients and Their Quantities
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Apple Cider: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting: Top with a cream cheese or cinnamon buttercream frosting for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Calcium: 3%
- Iron: 5%
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Potassium: 2%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor
- For a stronger apple flavor, reduce the cider to half over medium heat to concentrate before adding it to the batter.
- Swap half of the butter for applesauce for a lighter cupcake.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the cupcakes before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These apple cider cupcakes are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your fall festivities—enjoy!
