Apple Cider Cupcakes

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 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!

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:

Other Cupcake Recipes You’ll Love

• Key Lime Cupcakes
• Fruit Topped Cupcakes
• Lemon Cupcakes

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!