Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with a creamy spiced buttercream frosting. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, these cupcakes are perfect for autumn gatherings or any cozy occasion. Made with oat flour for a gluten-free twist and sweetened naturally with applesauce and apple cider, they offer a balanced sweetness with a comforting spice aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients for Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (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
Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1–2 tbsp water, milk, or additional apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending for about a minute to ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and spray them lightly with non-stick spray.
- Fill and Bake Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make Spiced Buttercream: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, 1 tablespoon apple cider, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more apple cider, water, or milk if needed.
- Frost and Serve: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the spiced buttercream. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using oat flour gives a naturally gluten-free option; however, regular all-purpose flour can be used if gluten is not a concern.
- Applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness, allowing for reduced sugar content.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust the spiced buttercream consistency with apple cider or milk to suit your preference.
- The warm spice blend can be modified to taste—feel free to adjust quantities of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, spiced buttercream, gluten free cupcakes, fall dessert, apple spice dessert, cinnamon cupcakes
