Apple Cider Cupcakes

Folding in diced apples to your cupcake batter is not just a decorative touch; it significantly enhances the texture and flavor of your Autumn Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes. The inclusion of fresh apple pieces creates a delightful contrast to the moist cake, offering bursts of sweetness and a slight crunch in each bite. As the cupcakes bake, the apples soften while retaining some of their structure, providing a pleasant mouthfeel that complements the spiced cake base.

Embrace the flavors of fall with Autumn Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes, a perfect treat for cooler weather. These soft, moist cupcakes are infused with fresh apple cider and warm spices, bringing comfort and nostalgia to your gatherings. Topped with a creamy apple cider frosting and optional garnishes like caramel drizzle or chopped nuts, these cupcakes are ideal for any autumn celebration. Bake a batch and share the warmth of the season with family and friends.

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup apple cider (preferably fresh)

1 cup peeled, cored, and finely diced apple (approximately 1 large apple)

For the Apple Cider Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)

2 tablespoons apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Optional Garnish: Caramel drizzle, thin apple slices for decoration

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard cupcake pan by lining it with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are fully combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and blend until everything is just combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamy butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and finish with the flour mixture, mixing gently just until incorporated. Carefully fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter, ensuring equal amounts in each.

Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the apple cider frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it's creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more apple cider; if it’s too thin, add additional powdered sugar.

Frost the Cupcakes: Once your cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously with the apple cider frosting using a piping bag or a knife for a smooth finish.

Garnish (Optional): For an extra treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and add thin apple slices on top for decorative flair.

Serve and Enjoy: Share these delightful Apple Cider Cupcakes at your next gathering or savor them as a comforting fall dessert!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 cupcakes