Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

There’s something so comforting about a homemade cupcake that captures the essence of crisp autumn days in every bite. These apple cider cupcakes are just that—tender, moist little clouds infused with rich, spiced cider and crowned with a luxuriously creamy buttercream. They’re perfect for curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket or sharing at gatherings with friends who appreciate the warm, snuggly flavors of fall. Between the golden hue of the cake and the swirls of cinnamon-kissed frosting, you’ll find yourself smiling before you even take that first heavenly taste.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the tangy sweetness of apple cider danced with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It felt like a symphony of fall spices and fresh orchard goodness all wrapped into a single cupcake. The texture is soft but substantial—never too dense, never too crumbly. And that spiced buttercream! It’s like a warm hug on top of your cupcake, bringing everything together in one blissful moment. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, school bake sale, or just a midweek treat, these cupcakes will steal the show and have everyone coming back for seconds.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CIDER CUPCAKES WITH SPICED BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Before you roll up your sleeves and dive into the mixing bowls, let’s highlight the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient works in harmony to deliver that unmistakable fall flavor and perfect cupcake texture you crave.

• All-purpose flour

Provides the sturdy backbone for the cupcake’s structure, ensuring a tender crumb that holds up under the weight of the buttercream.

• Baking powder

Acts as the primary leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise beautifully and develop their signature fluffy texture.

• Baking soda

Balances acidity and adds extra lift when it reacts with the cider, giving the cake a light, airy feel.

• Salt

Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors, making each note more pronounced without tasting salty.

• Ground cinnamon

Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic spice that’s synonymous with cozy fall treats.

• Ground nutmeg

Adds a hint of earthy sweetness, deepening the flavor profile and rounding out the cinnamon’s warmth.

• Unsalted butter (softened)

Contributes richness and moisture, creating a silky crumb in both the cupcakes and the buttercream.

• Granulated sugar

Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior with a slight caramelized hint.

• Large egg

Binds the ingredients together and adds structure, ensuring each cupcake holds its shape.

• Vanilla extract

Lifts and brightens the overall flavor, acting like a spotlight on the warm spices.

• Apple cider

Imbues the cake with fruity tang and moisture, capturing the fresh-pressed essence of fall orchards.

• Milk

Helps loosen the batter for smooth consistency, resulting in cupcakes that are moist without being heavy.

• Powdered sugar

Forms the foundation of the spiced buttercream, giving it sweetness and body for piping smooth swirls.

• Ground cloves

Introduces a hint of bold, slightly peppery spice that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Apple cider (for frosting)

Adds a pleasant tang to the buttercream, lightening its richness and reinforcing that orchard-fresh flavor.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER CUPCAKES WITH SPICED BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Let’s get into the heart of the matter and bring these cupcakes to life. Follow the steps below for a foolproof baking experience, from preheating the oven to piping on that final swirl of frosting.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Ensuring the oven is fully heated guarantees even baking and that perfect rise.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps distribute all the leavening agents and spices uniformly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the batter base, giving your cupcakes their tender crumb.

4. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed to avoid lumps.

5. Alternately add the flour mixture and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to prevent overworking the batter.

6. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth, ensuring there are no streaks of dry flour.

7. Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with the batter. Leave enough space for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.

9. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.

10. For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. This ensures a smooth, lump-free buttercream base.

11. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a light texture.

12. Mix in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, blending until the spices are evenly distributed.

13. Add apple cider and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the cider amount for your desired consistency—less for stiffer peaks, more for softer swirls.

14. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or an offset spatula for a beautiful finish.

15. Optionally, garnish with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of fall flair.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CIDER CUPCAKES WITH SPICED BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

These cupcakes are a showstopper on their own, but a thoughtful presentation can take them to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a fall-themed brunch or a cozy family gathering, here are a few ways to showcase these treats and bring out their best flavors.

• Rustic Platter Display

Arrange the cupcakes on a wooden board or cake stand and scatter fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around them for a charming, outdoorsy vibe.

• Warm Beverage Pairing

Serve alongside steaming mugs of spiced cider or pumpkin spice latte; the complementary flavors will create a cozy, café-like experience.

• Themed Dessert Table

Place your cupcakes on tiered stands amidst small pumpkins, pinecones, and autumn leaves to set a festive fall scene that’s perfect for parties.

• Individual Gift Packaging

Wrap each cupcake in a clear cellophane bag tied with twine and a cinnamon stick. These make delightful homemade gifts or party favors.

HOW TO STORE APPLE CIDER CUPCAKES WITH SPICED BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Keeping these cupcakes fresh ensures every bite stays moist and flavorful. With the right storage techniques, you can enjoy them for a couple of days without losing that irresistible texture or aromatic spice profile.

• Room-Temperature Storage

Place cupcakes in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.

• Refrigeration

Store in a sealed container with layers separated by parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, but bring back to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting.

• Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and serve within 1–2 days for best taste.

• Pre-Frosted Short-Term

If you want cupcakes ready to grab and go, frost them and store in a container with just enough room to avoid smudging. Keep in the fridge and eat within 24 hours for optimal frosting texture.

CONCLUSION

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting have everything you love about fall baked goods—moist cake layers imbued with crisp apple cider and warmly spiced buttercream that’s simply divine. From the gentle lift of baking powder and soda to the cozy hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this recipe brings a slice of the season right into your kitchen. As a beginner-friendly dessert, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels, with just 20 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of baking, and a little resting time before you dig in. Each cupcake clocks in at around 220 calories, making them a reasonable treat for any gathering or afternoon snack.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you’ll want these instructions at your fingertips next time the leaves start to turn or you’re craving a sweet, spiced pick-me-up. Don’t forget, you can always scroll down to the FAQ section for answers to common questions about ingredient swaps, icing consistency, or how to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. If you give these cupcakes a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, any tips you discovered, or questions you might have. Your feedback helps everyone in our baking community, and I’m here to help if you need any guidance or troubleshooting along the way. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 250

Description

These apple cider cupcakes are bursting with fall flavors, featuring a soft texture and a delightful spiced buttercream frosting. Perfect for any celebration!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• For the Cupcakes:

• - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• - 1 tsp baking powder

• - 1/2 tsp baking soda

• - 1/4 tsp salt

• - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• - 1 cup granulated sugar

• - 1 large egg

• - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• - 1 cup apple cider

• - 1/4 cup milk

• For the Spiced Buttercream Frosting:

• - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• - 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

• - 2-3 tbsp apple cider

• - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
7. Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with the batter.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
10. For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
12. Mix in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
13. Add apple cider and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the cider amount for desired consistency.
14. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
15. Optionally, garnish with apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 21kcal

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Note

• These cupcakes capture the essence of fall with every bite.
• If you want a more intense cider flavor, consider reducing the apple cider before adding it to the batter.
• These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• The spiced buttercream adds a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.

Keywords: apple cider, cupcakes, buttercream, fall desserts, baking, sweet treats