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A group of frosted cupcakes topped with apple slices sits on a white surface. One cupcake in front has a bite taken out, revealing its soft interior—perfect for those seeking easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes. Two cinnamon sticks lie beside the cupcakes.

Apple Cider Cupcakes

Apple Cider Cupcakes are the ultimate cozy treat for fall—soft, spiced, and topped with brown sugar cinnamon frosting. Get the full recipe!

Course desserts
Cuisine American, Cupcakes
Keyword apple cider cupcake recipe, apple cider cupcakes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings 30
Author momma lew

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • ½ c unsalted butter softened
  • 1 c white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of apple cider
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cup all purpose flour

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Sliced apple pieces to decorate
  • Cinnamon to sprinkle

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  
  2. Line muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. 
  3. For the cupcakes - In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking powder.  Cream until smooth.
  4. Add in the apple cider and eggs and mix well. 
  5. Combine with the flour and mix on medium speed for two minutes. 
  6. Using an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner until about ⅔ full.  
  7. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 14-16 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.  
  8. Set aside homemade apple cider cupcakes and allow to cool on a cooling rack completely before decorating. 
  9. For the frosting - In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Cream until smooth.  
  10. Add in the powdered sugar and mix well. 
  11. Add in 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla.  Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then medium speed for about a minute.  
  12. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides and mix again.  If the frosting appears too lumpy and dry, add another tablespoon of milk, only if needed.  Mix again. 
  13. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.  Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.
  14. Decorate with a slice of apple if desired and sprinkle of cinnamon.  Enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before enjoying.