Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting (gluten-free, whole grain)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert. They offer a light, tender crumb thanks to oat flour, making them a perfect gluten-free treat. The cupcake itself is infused with warm spices and apple cider, creating a comforting flavor profile that’s ideal for chilly weather. The spiced buttercream frosting brings a silky sweetness with just the right touch of spice. With wholesome ingredients like applesauce and apple cider, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also make you feel good about what you’re eating.

Ingredients

Apple Cider Cupcakes
1 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free) or gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
Pinch of cloves
1/2 cup butter, melted (coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternative)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Spiced Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
2 cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Apple Cider Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (if using oat flour, this gives the flour a chance to soak up the dry ingredients). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and spray them with non-stick spray.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

3. In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the melted butter and brown sugar. Add the applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla, mixing until everything is combined. Add the eggs and beat for about a minute.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.

5. Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 of the way full with the batter.

6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are springy to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let the cupcakes cool before frosting.

Spiced Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 tbsp of apple cider, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend with a hand mixer until smooth.

2. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the frosting becomes fluffy.

3. If the frosting is too thick, add more apple cider, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously with the spiced buttercream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter in the cupcakes and frosting for a dairy-free butter alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of any dairy.

• Egg-Free: Substitute the two eggs in the recipe with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan option.

• Sweetener Substitutes: If you want to reduce sugar, use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of brown sugar. Adjust the consistency of the batter if needed.

• Frosting Variations: Add a hint of caramel or maple syrup to the frosting for a more indulgent, fall-inspired twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: These cupcakes stay fresh for about 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cupcakes for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours. If freezing with frosting, place the frosted cupcakes in the freezer until firm, then wrap them individually before storing.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you’re not concerned about making the cupcakes gluten-free.

2. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

The cupcakes are ready when the tops are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.

4. How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or coconut milk.

5. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

6. Can I add more spices to the cupcakes?

Absolutely! If you love a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a little ground ginger.

7. Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute and use a dairy-free butter alternative for both the cupcakes and frosting.

8. How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

9. What can I add to the frosting for more flavor?

Try adding a teaspoon of maple syrup, caramel extract, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

10. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple cider gives a deeper flavor, you can use apple juice in a pinch. The taste might be slightly different, but it will still work well.

Conclusion

These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a fall classic, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moist texture. Whether you need a gluten-free treat, or you’re simply looking for something comforting and delicious, these cupcakes are sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re the perfect choice for your next dessert. Enjoy them as a seasonal treat, or make them any time you’re craving a cozy, flavorful cupcake!

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