Apple Cider Cupcakes with Apple Cider Buttercream
These Apple Cider Cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and packed with cozy fall flavors. Reduced apple cider brings a deep, tangy-sweet flavor, while cinnamon and nutmeg make them warm and comforting. Top with apple cider buttercream for the ultimate fall treat.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer
- Muffin Tin
- Cupcake Liners
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 cups apple cider reduced to 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Cider Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3-4 tbsp reduced apple cider to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional, for extra warmth
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then yogurt, vanilla, and 1/4 cup of reduced cider.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly into liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.
- For buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then reduced cider (1 tbsp at a time), salt, and cinnamon. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle, or apple slices if desired.
Notes
Ingredient swaps: sour cream for yogurt, apple juice for cider (less flavor), Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples if adding fruit bits. Store frosted cupcakes in fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month.