Apple Cider Cupcakes

As the leaves turn shades of amber and gold, the air becomes crisp, and the scent of cinnamon wafts through the kitchens of many homes. There’s something inherently comforting about autumn, a season that invites warmth, togetherness, and indulgence in flavors that reflect the bounty of the harvest. Among the many seasonal treats that celebrate this time of year, apple cider cupcakes stand out as a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. These cupcakes are not just desserts; they embody the essence of fall, drawing inspiration from orchards filled with ripe apples and the comforting embrace of warm gatherings.

Dive into the cozy flavors of fall with these Autumn Orchard Apple Cider Cupcakes. Perfectly moist and aromatic, these delightful treats blend fresh apples and robust apple cider, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack, these cupcakes celebrate the essence of the season. Top them with a luscious cider glaze and enjoy the comforting taste of autumn with every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup apple cider

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 medium apple, finely diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cider Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp apple cider

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

A pinch of ground cinnamon

For Garnish:

Thin slices of fresh apple

Drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Once combined, set aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Add Cider and Applesauce to the Mixture:

Gradually reduce the mixer speed and alternately add the flour mixture and the apple cider and applesauce to the wet ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing.

Fold in the Diced Apples:

With a spatula, gently fold the finely diced apple into the batter until evenly distributed throughout.

Fill the Cupcake Liners:

Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.

Bake:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Cool the Cupcakes:

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cider Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon until the mixture is smooth. If necessary, adjust the glaze's consistency by adding additional powdered sugar to thicken or more apple cider to thin it out.

Glaze the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, drizzle the cider glaze generously over the top of each cupcake, allowing it to flow down the sides.

Garnish and Serve:

Top each cupcake with thin slices of fresh apple and add a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy every bite of these exquisite Apple Cider Cupcakes that capture the essence of autumn!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hour | 12 cupcakes