Craving a taste of autumn in every bite? Look no further than these irresistible apple cider cupcakes. Bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apple, these cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic orchard treat. Imagine a moist cupcake infused with reduced apple cider, topped with a luscious apple cider buttercream, and drizzled with caramel sauce – pure fall bliss in every bite.
Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat just for yourself, these apple cider cupcakes are a must-try this season. Whether you’re a fan of apple cider donuts or looking for a new fall favorite, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their warm, comforting flavors. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this easy and delicious recipe that captures the essence of autumn in every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the key ingredients that will bring these apple cider cupcakes to life. From a luscious apple cider reduction to a flavorful apple cider buttercream frosting, each component plays a crucial role in creating these delectable treats.
Apple Cider Reduction
- 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
Apple Cider Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (213 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 large egg white, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) apple cider reduction (see instructions)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (57 g) sour cream
Apple Cider Buttercream Frosting
- 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (313 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider reduction
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pie crumbs:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Water
Equipment Needed
For this apple cider cupcakes recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- Cupcake pan
- Baking cups or liners
- Stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium pot
- Heat resistant measuring cup
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Oven
Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth baking process and help you create delicious apple cider cupcakes that embody the cozy flavors of fall.
Preparation Steps
Reduce Apple Cider
To intensify the apple flavor in these cupcakes, start by reducing the apple cider. Pour 2 ½ – 3 cups of apple cider in a pan and simmer until it reduces to 1 cup. Save ¼ cup for the caramel sauce and ¾ cup for the buttercream.
Prepare Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two cupcake pans with liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix browned butter with sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and apple cider reduction.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix, then fold in grated apples.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
- In a stand mixer, blend room temperature butter with brown sugar and white sugar.
- Add eggs, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, apple cider, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Divide the batter between lined muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
- Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Baking Instructions
How to Bake Cupcakes
To bake these scrumptious apple cider cupcakes, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing a cupcake pan with baking cups. In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, whole eggs, butter, cinnamon, and apple cider. Mix the ingredients well until fully incorporated. Fill greased cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Storage Tips
Storing your apple cider cupcakes properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for longer periods. Here are some handy storage tips to help you enjoy your fall treats at their best:
Freezing
You can freeze these apple cider cupcakes without frosting for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them, and then add the frosting as usual. For the cream cheese frosting, freeze it separately, letting it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewhipping it in the mixer for a fresh and creamy texture.
Refrigerating
If you have leftover apple cider cupcakes, you can keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the apple cider ahead of time and refrigerate it, ensuring it’s at room temperature before using it in your baking.
Customization Options
Looking to personalize your apple cider cupcakes? Here are some creative ways to customize your sweet treats!
Frosting Variations
Experiment with different frostings to elevate your apple cider cupcakes. Try a caramel buttercream for a rich and decadent flavor, or a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. You can also infuse your frosting with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex taste profile.
Add-Ins and Toppings
Get creative with add-ins and toppings to add texture and flavor to your cupcakes. Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or mix in diced apples for extra freshness. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking or drizzle warm caramel over the finished cupcakes for an indulgent touch.
Conclusion
Baking these apple cider cupcakes is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. The combination of cinnamon, apple, and caramel creates a decadent treat that is sure to impress. By following the recipe’s simple steps and incorporating your own creative twists, you can customize these cupcakes to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to experiment with different frostings, add in extra toppings for texture, or drizzle on some warm caramel, the possibilities are endless. These cupcakes are not only a delicious dessert option but also a fun baking project that allows you to savor the essence of autumn in every bite. Enjoy the process of baking and indulging in these scrumptious apple cider cupcakes with your loved ones!