Apple Cider Cupcakes

These Apple Cider Cupcakes are perfect for a crisp fall day! They taste just like apple cider since the recipe calls for an instant apple cider mix! A great dessert for Thanksgiving and a fun alternative for those who prefer cake over pumpkin pie! These are my oldest son’s favorite and it makes the house smell heavenly while they are baking!

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Printable recipe for the Apple Cider Cupcakes below

You will need:

1/3 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cups flour

2 eggs

1 cup boiling water

1 1/2 (.74 oz.) packets of instant apple cider mix

For the frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

2 Tb prepared apple cider

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

1 Tb heavy cream

1 disposable piping bag

Wilton #1M piping tip

Apple slices for garnish

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DIRECTIONS FOR APPLE CIDER CUPCAKES:

First, mix the boiling water and the 1 1/2 packets of instant apple cider mix and set aside to cool.

Then mix the sugars, vanilla, oil, and applesauce together. Add the eggs one at a time.

Next, in another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Pour half of the flour mixture into the applesauce mixture. Then, pour 1/2 cup cooled apple cider mixture and stir.

Now, mix in the remaining flour mixture and stir to combine. Then mix in ONLY 1/4 cup cider and stir until completely combined. Reserve the leftover 1/4 cup cider for frosting.

Then, place paper cupcake liners in a muffin tin and fill each liner 2/3 full of batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-18 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, cream the butter with mixer until fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar a little at a time until completely incorporated.

Next, add 2 Tablespoons of cider (discard the rest) and vanilla and mix. Add in the heavy cream and beat until fluffy and smooth for about 3 minutes.

Now, place the frosting in the disposable piping bag fitted with the #1M piping tip. Pipe frosting on each cupcake.

Finally, top with an apple slice if desired.

Now you have THE BEST Apple Cider Cupcakes! Top them with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For more great dessert ideas, click here