Name: Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free) or gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp allspice; Pinch of cloves; 1/2 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternative); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened); 1/2 cup apple cider; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for frosting); Pinch of nutmeg (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar

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Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cupcakes combine the crisp flavor of apple cider with warm spices, creating a cozy dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they’re gluten-free and made with whole grains, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

Making these cupcakes is easy and fun! Here’s how you can create these delicious treats at home.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free) or gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
Pinch of cloves
1/2 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternative)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, mix the oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves together.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, applesauce, apple cider, vanilla, and eggs. Mix well until everything is blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

For the Spiced Buttercream Frosting:

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Add the water, milk, or more apple cider, along with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until you reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

These cupcakes are perfect as a dessert for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in. Serve them on a nice platter and delight your guests with their flavorful and warm taste. You can also dust some extra cinnamon on top for a lovely presentation.

How to Store Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

To store your cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

For extra moisture, you can add a bit more apple cider to the batter.
Make sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Feel free to add chopped apples or nuts to the batter for added texture.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using different spices like ginger or swapping apple cider for another fruit juice, such as pear or cranberry, for a unique twist.