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Apple Cider Cupcakes

Posted on Last updated: Categories Dessert

By: Author Kathie Lapcevic

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Make these delicious apple cider cupcakes to highlight the produce of your apple picking adventures!

This easy cupcake recipe features fresh apple cider in both the fluffy cakes and creamy frosting making it an ideal and flavor packed fall treat.

Simple to whip up, this easy to make apple cider cupcake recipe is perfect for all your fall party or weeknight dessert needs.

A frosted cupcake sits on a white plate with more cupcakes in the background. Text overlay reads: Apple Cider Cupcakes.

A Bit of Whole Grain

These delicious cupcakes are definitely a dessert and should not at all be considered a health food. However, the apple flavor plays well with rye in my opinion and so a bit of whole grain flour adds, a bit of heartiness while still keeping the cupcakes light and fluffy all while adding just a bit of extra tastiness.

If you’re opposed to the rye flour, I imagine using 100% all purpose flour would work fine. I didn’t test it and rye flour can absorb water differently so the cupcakes might be a bit thin.

Apple Cider

I tested this recipe two different ways.

The first straight apple cider. Good, amazing local fresh pressed cider. It is good and results in a a lightly flavored cupcake that is moist and delicious.

The second test, I reduced the apple cider a bit for a more intense, concentrated flavor. To make the apple cider reduction, I simply boiled a cup of apple cider until it reduced to about one-third to one-half. The result isn’t quite a syrup but is definitely thicker and more concentrated.

Apple cider cupcakes sit on a board with a basket of fresh apples in the background.

Both ways work, the reduction makes for a more intense apple cider flavor in both the cupcake and the apple cider buttercream frosting. Do what you have the time and inclination to do.

It is incredibly important to start with the freshest, highest quality apple cider you can get your hands on for the most intense flavor whether you reduce or not.

Want plain apple cupcakes? Substitute milk or milk alternative for the apple cider.

Apple Bits

You could make these without the diced apple, if desired. I enjoyed the bit of texture and heartiness from some pieces of apples, there’s some added flavor too.

Don’t worry about the type of apple, just use whatever fresh apples you have on hand or is local. Do peel and keep the dice on the small side.

A wicker basket full of red and green apples sits on the grass.

Spice

The recipe as written does not include any spice. I wanted the apple flavor to be the star. That being said some warm spices would be incredible here if you’re so inclined.

Add up to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or apple pie spice to the flour mixture and proceed with the recipe as written.

Frosting Choices

The apple cider frosting recipe is an amazing way to complete the apple cider focus of this sweet treat.

However, feel free to use a plain vanilla frosting or something spiced like a cinnamon cream cheese frosting to switch it up.

Close-up of a frosted cupcake sitting on a white plate, more cupcakes in the background.

I always opt to just spread the frosting with a small knife in a rather rustic fashion. However, feel free to use a pastry bag and get more decorative if that’s more your style.

How to Store

Keep these beautiful cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimum freshness. The frosting will just get too soft if left at room temperature for long.

For longer term storage, these can be frozen for up to six months in a freezer bag or container.

Want more recipes and homemade gift ideas? Homemade Gifts from the Kitchen has 60 recipes and ideas for every occasion!

Yield: 12 Cupcakes

Apple Cider Cupcakes

A frosted apple cider cupcake sitting on a white plate, more cupcakes in the background.

Sweet apple cider cupcakes feature all the best bits of the fall season in an easy to make portable dessert perfect for sharing.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Apple Cider Cupcake Batter:

  • 1/2 Cup Salted Butter, melted
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup Apple Cider
  • 2/3 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Unbleached, All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 Cup Medium Rye Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 Cup Diced Apple, peeled

Apple Cider Frosting:

  • 1/2 Cup Salted Butter, softened
  • 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider
  • 3 Cups Powdered Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Make the Cupcake Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, all-purpose flour, and rye flour. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, apple cider, and sugar until completely combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until almost combined. Fold in the apples and stir until the batter is smooth and completely combined.
  4. Divide the batter amongst the 12 prepared cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until an inserted tester comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan to cool on racks until room temperature before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

  1. For the smoothest frosting, use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
  2. Beat the butter on a medium speed, just to cream it up a bit.
  3. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and mix on a low speed until completely combined.
  4. Pour in the apple cider and mix until combined.
  5. With the mixer running on low, add the remaining powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time. Beating well after each addition.
  6. When the frosting is smooth and creamy, spread on cooled cupcakes as desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 216mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 1gSugar: 41gProtein: 3g

We try our best but cannot guarantee that nutrition information is 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Kathie Lapcevic
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert

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Susannah // Feast + West

Wednesday 27th of May 2015

Oh man, Kathie! You did it again. These cupcakes look so very incredible. Thanks for coordinating this great collab!

tessa

Monday 18th of May 2015

I love adding to my real foods dessert board - thank you for another great recipe!

Liz

Sunday 17th of May 2015

Kathie, first of all, I want to thank you for organizing World Baking Day. I was so happy to be apart of this wonderful group of bloggers. Secondly, THESE LOOK SO YUMMY! Well done!

Rhonda

Saturday 16th of May 2015

Cinnamon, one of my most favorite spices. I buy organic sticks and grind them fresh I like it so much. I've never thought of putting it in frosting, but how delicious that sounds. Can't wait to try these.

Wendy

Friday 15th of May 2015

You are right about the misconception that all whole grain baked goods are heavy. I was so surprised when my whole grain cookies were light and fluffy! Now I can accurately sit here and imagine (longingly) the fluffiness of these apple cupcakes! Using apple juice for liquid and flavor in both the cake and the frosting is a wonderful idea I plan on sampling in person very soon! :)

Kathie

Friday 15th of May 2015

I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you!

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