Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Fall is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes topped with Spiced Buttercream Frosting. These moist and tender cupcakes are infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices, making them the perfect treat for autumn gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The creamy buttercream frosting with just a hint of warmth from spices adds a comforting finish to each bite.
Why Make This Recipe
These Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes are not only easy to make, but they also cater to those with gluten sensitivities, allowing everyone to enjoy a delightful dessert. With their rich apple flavor, the cupcakes are a unique twist on traditional desserts, and the spiced frosting elevates them to a new level of indulgence. The combination of flavors will remind you of cozy evenings spent by the fireplace, making them perfect for any fall occasion.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
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For Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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For Spiced Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp apple cider
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the lined cupcake tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the spiced buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Serve these cupcakes on a decorative platter or cake stand for an inviting presentation. They pair wonderfully with hot apple cider or a cup of coffee, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or apples for an extra festive touch.
How to Store Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
To keep the cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them; they will last up to a week. For the best flavor, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- Be Precise with Measurements: Gluten-free baking often requires precise measurements, so use a kitchen scale if possible.
- Check Your Flour: Make sure your gluten-free all-purpose flour blend contains xanthan gum, which can help give structure to the cupcakes.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the buttercream according to your taste preferences.
Variations
- Add Ins: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cupcake batter for added texture.
- Alternate Frosting: Swap the spiced buttercream for a simple cream cheese frosting for a tangy flavor.
- Cupcake Size: For mini cupcakes, just reduce the baking time to 12-14 minutes and watch them closely.
FAQs
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Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour?
- Yes, if gluten is not a concern, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in equal measure.
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Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve them for freshness.
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What can I substitute for eggs?
- A common egg substitute is 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt for each egg.
Enjoy baking these delightful Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting, and savor every spiced bite!
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
For Cupcakes
- 1.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cups apple cider
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Spiced Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp apple cider
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the lined cupcake tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Baking
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
Frosting the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the spiced buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
