Apple Cider Cupcakes

As the leaves turn to shades of amber and crimson, and the air grows crisp with the promise of cooler days, the anticipation of fall brings with it a delightful opportunity to indulge in seasonal flavors. Among the myriad of autumn-inspired treats, Autumn Orchard Apple Cider Cupcakes stand out as a quintessential favorite. These cupcakes embody the essence of the harvest season, combining the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet tang of apple cider and the freshness of diced apples. They are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of everything we adore about autumn.

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Autumn Orchard Apple Cider Cupcakes. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and packed with fresh diced apples and real apple cider, these treats perfectly capture the essence of the season. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack, they are easy to make and a joy to share. Join us as we guide you through each step to achieve cupcake perfection, topped with a delicious cider glaze. Enjoy the taste of autumn in 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

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup apple cider

½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)

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 apple slices

Drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

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

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix in Cider and Applesauce:

Reduce the mixer speed and alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the apple cider and applesauce. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Apples:

Gently fold the diced apple into the batter until evenly distributed.

Fill Cupcake Liners:

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool:

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cider Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more powdered sugar or cider.

Glaze the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over each cupcake.

Garnish:

Top with thin apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Enjoy the delightful taste of autumn with each bite of these moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cupcakes!

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