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Apple Cider Cupcakes

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Warm, spiced, and perfectly moist, these apple cider cupcakes capture all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite! Topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, they’re ideal for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving desserts, or any time you crave a taste of the season.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup apple cider (reduced to ¼ cup – see instructions)

  • ½ cup applesauce

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon

  • 2–3 tbsp apple cider or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Caramel drizzle

  • Crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans

  • Cinnamon sticks (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:

  • Simmer ½ cup apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool.

2. Make the Cupcake Batter:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  • In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in reduced cider, applesauce, and vanilla.

  • Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

3. Bake the Cupcakes:

  • Divide batter evenly among liners (fill ⅔ full).

  • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

  • Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cider/milk (1 tbsp at a time) until fluffy.

  • Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

5. Garnish & Serve:

  • Drizzle with caramel, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, or add a cinnamon stick for decoration.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk

  • Serve at Halloween or Thanksgiving parties

  • Warm slightly for extra coziness

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Notes

Pro Tips

  • Reduce cider for concentrated flavor

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter

  • Don’t overmix—keep cupcakes tender

Storage Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container for 3 days at room temp

  • Refrigerate for 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)

  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for 2 months

  • Enjoy these Apple Cider Cupcakes—a delicious taste of fall! 

Find it online: https://bakesbliss.com/apple-cider-cupcakes/