Apple Cider Cupcakes

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the essence of autumn permeates our kitchens, inviting us to indulge in the warmth of seasonal baking. Autumn flavors bring a unique charm, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. One of the quintessential elements of this season is apple cider, a beloved beverage that captures the essence of fall. Its rich, fruity flavor and comforting warmth make it an ideal ingredient for various desserts, and today, we are excited to share a delightful recipe that showcases this seasonal favorite: Harvest Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes.

Get ready for fall with these Harvest Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes! Infused with the rich flavors of apple cider, warm spices, and fresh apples, these moist treats perfectly capture the essence of the season. Perfect for any gathering, each bite evokes the cozy feeling of autumn. Top them off with a creamy apple cider cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence. Bake a batch today and savor the delightful taste of fall!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup peeled and finely chopped apples (recommended: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Optional: Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting (see below)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until they are well combined and no clumps remain.

Cream Butter and Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer until it becomes creamy and smooth. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition to incorporate air.

Combine Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the apple cider and add the vanilla extract to the butter-egg mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined, being cautious not to overmix.

Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the liquid mixture, using a spatula or spoon to mix until just incorporated. Make sure to fold in the finely chopped apples gently to distribute them throughout the batter.

Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full to allow for rising.

Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when they are ready.

Cool: Once finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost: After the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost them with the optional Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting, or leave them plain for a lighter treat.

Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons apple cider

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes

Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, garnish each frosted cupcake with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a thin apple slice on top for a beautiful and tasty decoration!