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

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

5.3 from 16 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with a creamy spiced buttercream frosting. Made with gluten-free oat flour and infused with autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these cupcakes perfectly capture the essence of fall. The spiced buttercream frosting adds a rich and smooth finish, making these treats ideal for cozy gatherings or seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

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 extract
  • 2 eggs

Spiced Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1–2 tbsp water, milk, or more apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Stir together until evenly mixed.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This helps create a light texture for the cupcakes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, add the eggs and beat the mixture for about a minute to ensure it’s smooth.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until you form a smooth cupcake batter without lumps.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray lightly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcake tops are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Make Spiced Buttercream: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, 1 tablespoon apple cider, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend well using a hand mixer until smooth.
  8. Add Powdered Sugar: Add 1 cup powdered sugar to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the remaining powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy. If frosting is too thick, add additional apple cider a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Frost the Cupcakes: After cupcakes have cooled completely, spread the spiced buttercream frosting generously on each cupcake. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Your Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately for best taste or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use certified gluten-free oat flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • Applesauce can be sweetened or unsweetened depending on your preference.
  • If you want to make the frosting dairy-free, substitute butter with dairy-free butter alternative and use water or plant-based milk instead of apple cider.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • For a more intense apple flavor, reduce the baking powder slightly when using regular flour to avoid over-rising.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, gluten-free cupcakes, spiced buttercream frosting, oat flour cupcakes, autumn desserts, fall baking, cinnamon cupcakes, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/apple-cider-cupcakes-with-spiced-buttercream-frosting-gluten-free-whole-grain/