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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground allspice - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup fresh apple cider - 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)

Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes

Embrace the flavors of fall with these delightful Spiced Apple Cider Cupcakes. This recipe combines the warm essence of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with fresh apple cider for a moist and flavorful treat. Topped with a creamy, spiced cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Follow the easy step-by-step instructions and enjoy a sweet taste of autumn that will bring smiles to your loved ones.
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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

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground allspice

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup apple cider (either fresh or store-bought)

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)

For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cinnamon

A pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

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

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Set this mixture aside for later use.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.

        Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

          Blend in Dry Ingredients and Cider: Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.

            Fold in Grated Apples: Gently fold the grated apple into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.

              Fill the Cupcake Liners: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each liner about two-thirds full.

                Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. After baking, cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg until the frosting is well blended.

                    Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag to pipe the spiced cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. If you prefer, you can also use a knife to spread the frosting.

                      Add Final Garnish (Optional): For an extra special touch, sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on top of each frosted cupcake. Serve with a slice of fresh apple on the side for a delightful garnish.

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