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As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold, and the air becomes crisp with the promise of colder days ahead, autumn heralds a delightful shift in flavors. This season is not just about cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes; it's also a time when apple orchards flourish and apple cider becomes a staple in many homes. With its warm, spiced essence, apple cider captures the spirit of fall, making it the perfect inspiration for a mouthwatering treat: Autumn Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes.

Apple Cider Cupcakes

Embrace the flavors of fall with Autumn Delight Apple Cider Cupcakes, a deliciously spiced treat perfect for gathering with friends and family. Featuring fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cupcakes capture the essence of the season. Ideal for any autumn celebration, they are easy to make and visually appealing. With an apple cider frosting that elevates every bite, these cupcakes are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup apple cider

1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (about 1 large apple)

For the Apple Cider Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar (to taste)

2 tbsp apple cider

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Optional: Caramel drizzle and apple slices for garnish

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

        Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.

          Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.

            Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if too thin, or a bit more cider if too thick.

                  Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the apple cider frosting using a piping bag or knife.

                    Garnish (Optional): Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with apple slices if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

                      Serve and Enjoy: Share these tasty Apple Cider Cupcakes at your next gathering or enjoy them as a cozy fall treat yourself!

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                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 cupcakes