Irresistible Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting

Name: Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup apple cider; ¾ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

Published: September 26, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Apple Cider Cupcakes are simple to whip up, combining seasonal flavors effortlessly
The moist texture keeps them deliciously fresh for days
Their beautiful golden hue makes them a showstopper at any gathering
Enhanced by cinnamon buttercream, they’re perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations

Everyone who tries these cupcakes simply can’t resist asking for seconds, and I can’t blame them! Last Thanksgiving, my cousin attempted to sneak away with the last one—unfortunately for him, I caught him red-handed.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a tender crumb; it works perfectly with the cupcake’s moist texture.
Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder is key; check the expiration date to ensure your cupcakes rise beautifully.
Cinnamon: Opt for ground cinnamon for that warm spice flavor; it’s the secret to autumn’s essence in these treats.
Apple Cider: Choose fresh apple cider for the best flavor; it adds moisture and sweetness like nothing else.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for sweetness and depth; it complements the spices wonderfully in both the cake and frosting.
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness; it helps create that creamy frosting we all love. pumpkin cream cheese muffins.
Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature; they blend better into your batter, making it smoother and fluffier.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor complexity; avoid imitation for an authentic taste experience.
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, powdered sugar gives a smooth finish and sweetness without graininess; sift before using if clumpy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Hocus Pocus fudge recipe.

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cupcakes.

Beat Egg Mixture: In another bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar until fluffy. Add melted butter and vanilla extract while mixing until everything is combined smoothly.

Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients : Gradually fold in apple cider into your dry mix using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain airiness in the batter; over-mixing can lead to dense cupcakes. For more inspiration, check out this apple cider donuts recipe.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Pour batter into prepared muffin tins about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should be golden on top!

Prepare Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream : While cupcakes cool, beat together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add cinnamon and more apple cider until you achieve your desired consistency. For more inspiration, check out this cinnamon sugar donut bread recipe.

Now you’re ready to frost those cupcakes! Grab that piping bag (or just slather on with a knife) and enjoy watching everyone swoon over these delightful treats. Remember—the first bite is always the best!

With each step taken together through this delightful process of making Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream, you’re not just baking—you’re creating memories filled with warmth and joy!

You Must Know

Baking Apple Cider Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream is a delightful experience
The aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere
This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust sweetness and spice levels to your taste
Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy family nights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. This ensures even baking and fluffy cupcakes. Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners before whisking together dry ingredients, followed by wet ones to avoid lumps.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some of the apple cider for applesauce for added moisture. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to give the cupcakes a unique twist that reflects your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect Apple Cider Cupcakes, always use room temperature ingredients; they blend better
Avoid overmixing the batter—it leads to dense cupcakes
Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese for a fun flavor twist!

There’s nothing quite like the first time I brought these cupcakes to a friend’s potluck. They vanished faster than my willpower at a bakery, and the compliments kept rolling in!