Go Back

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream

Delicious apple cider cupcakes topped with a brown sugar cinnamon buttercream frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin tin 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls Several bowls for mixing wet and dry ingredients
  • Electric mixer Handheld or stand mixer

Ingredients
  

Apple Cider Cupcakes

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup apple cider
  • 0.25 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar)

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While cupcakes are cooling, make the buttercream frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add brown sugar and cinnamon, then powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  • Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with the brown sugar cinnamon buttercream.

Notes

For a stronger apple cider flavor, use a spiced apple cider.