Description
These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream are the ultimate fall treat! Infused with spiced apple cider and topped with a rich, fluffy frosting, they’re bursting with warm, cozy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced if desired for stronger flavor)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix in apple cider and sour cream until just combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add cinnamon, vanilla, and gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add cream as needed for a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Reduce apple cider by simmering it on the stove for a more intense flavor.
- For a fun touch, top cupcakes with small apple slices or cinnamon sticks.
- The buttercream may have a slight texture from brown sugar; use superfine brown sugar if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, fall cupcakes, cinnamon buttercream, apple dessert, spiced cupcakes