Imagine biting into a cupcake that captures the essence of fall in every single delectable crumb. These Apple Cider Maple Spice Cupcakes are not just a dessert—they're a sensory journey that will transport you to a cozy autumn morning, with warm spices dancing on your palate and the rich, comforting flavors of apple cider and maple syrup embracing your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your baking game and impress everyone from family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties with this show-stopping recipe that's about to become your new seasonal obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease the cups with cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the apple cider and maple syrup, and mix on low speed until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Evenly distribute the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, you can prepare a frosting or glaze of your choice, such as a maple buttercream or cream cheese frosting, to complement the flavors.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them as desired and serve. Enjoy your delicious apple cider maple spice cupcakes!
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Fresh Spices Are Key: Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for maximum flavor intensity.
- Measure Precisely: Baking is a science, so use exact measurements for consistent results.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test, but remove cupcakes when a few moist crumbs still cling to it to prevent dryness.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain decorative appearance.
- Flavor Enhancement Tip: Consider brushing cooled cupcakes with a little extra maple syrup for an intense maple flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
