Apple Cider Cupcakes
Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
The smell of these Apple Cider Cupcakes is going to be enough to make your mouth water. Seasonal recipes are starting to pop up, and these sweet apple cider cupcakes are a must-make on your fall list. Made with real apple cider, spice cake mix, and apple pie spice, you are about to make the tastiest cupcakes of the fall season!
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My family will happily eat cupcakes in any form, however, these delicious Apple Cider Cupcakes are a favorite. You get the taste of fall, but you also get a delicious dessert!
If you are craving apple cider, but in the form of a dessert, then this is your recipe to make! Yes, these cupcakes are made using actual apple cider, which sets them apart from other apple cupcakes and makes them extra delicious!
With just 7 pantry-staple ingredients, you can whip up a batch or two of these beautiful cupcakes for a midweek family treat or a special occasion. In fact, why not make them any time of year?!
Apple Cider Cupcakes Ingredients & Substitutions:
Spice box cake mix – You’ll love the simplicity of using an already-made spice cake mix. You could also use vanilla box cake mix and adjust the spices in the recipe, or assemble your flour mixture from scratch. Use gluten-free box cake mix for food allergies.
Fresh apple cider – This is the key ingredient in these delicious cupcakes. If you live near a local apple orchard, you can likely find local apple cider there as well.
Eggs – You can’t make cupcakes without eggs! Allow them to reach room temperature for better incorporation into the wet and dry ingredients.
Vegetable oil – Canola oil or coconut oil (unscented) can also be used. I personally prefer vegetable oil to create a rich texture for these cupcakes.
Apple pie spice – This spice will help to bring out the flavor of the apple cider. You can also make your own spice mix with ingredients such as ground cinnamon.
Chopped walnuts – This cupcake has a little crunch thanks to these chopped walnuts! You can leave these out if you’d prefer to do so.
Vanilla frosting – In order to make the frosting, you’ll simply need vanilla buttercream. You can also switch it up and use brown sugar cinnamon buttercream, brown sugar maple buttercream, apple cider buttercream, caramel frosting, or vanilla cream cheese buttercream. For a richer flavor, add vanilla extract.
How To Make Apple Cider Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven and line 2 cupcake trays with cupcake liners (you’ll need a total of 24 paper liners).
- Follow the recipe to make the cupcake batter and then divide the batter between the 24 cups.
- Bake the cupcakes and then remove them to cool for a few minutes in the cupcake pan. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
- Top them with frosting using a piping bag and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Serve
Serve these amazing apple cider cupcakes with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or maple syrup for your next fall party alongside other tasty sweet treats, such as apple cider donuts, sweet cakes, and much more!
How To Store Apple Cider Cupcakes
These cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container. You can store cupcakes made with buttercream frosting on the counter for 2 days. Any longer than that and they need to be put in the fridge.
To freeze these cupcakes, place them in an airtight container and then place them in the freezer. These are best consumed within 3-6 months. Label the cupcakes so that you know when they were made.
Recipe FAQ’s:
Can I add vanilla?
Absolutely. I didn’t find that these cupcakes needed it due to the apple cider. Adding vanilla to the recipe will give it a creamier taste!
Can this be made without icing?
Yes, you can leave the icing off these cupcakes. It will end up tasting like an apple nut muffin. It’s so good!
How do you choose Buttercream vs. cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds a tangy sweet taste and very smooth texture to these apple cider cupcakes. Buttercream, on the other hand, will be noticeably sweeter in taste without that kick of tang. It’s really about personal preference.
Do these cupcakes use fresh apples?
No, these apple cider cupcakes don’t contain fresh apples. You could add some fried apple pieces to the batter or some apple sauce for extra apple flavor and texture.
What does apple cider do in cakes?
The apple cider not only provides flavor, it also provides acidity, which helps the cupcakes rise while baking!
What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
Apple cider is unfiltered and unpasteurized, which is why it has a cloudy appearance, whereas apple juice is filtered and pasteurized. The processing of apple juice extends its shelf life and provides a sweeter taste and a smoother texture.
Other Cupcake Recipes You’ll Love
I hope you enjoy this delicious apple cider cupcake recipe! If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment letting me know how you liked it. And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I love hearing from you!
Apple Cider Cupcakes
The smell of these Apple Cider Cupcakes is going to be enough to make your mouth water. Seasonal recipes are starting to pop up and these cupcakes are a must make on your fall list. Made with real apple cider, spice cake mix, and apple pie spice, you are about to make the tastiest cupcakes of the season!
Ingredients
- 1 package (15oz) spice cake mix
- 1 1/4 cup Apple cider
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- 2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Line 2 cupcake trays with 24 cups
- Beat cake mix apple cider eggs oil and apple pie spice on low speed with an electric mixer until blended.
- Beat at medium speed for two minutes
- Straight down the sides of the bowl and fold in chopped walnuts.
- Evenly distribute between 24 cups
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to call in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.
- Remove from pan and allow cupcakes to cool completely for another 15 to 20 minutes.
- Top with frosting and more chopped walnuts
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 202Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 169mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 3g
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