whole grain) Recipe
These Apple Cider Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are a delightful gluten-free treat featuring whole grain oat flour and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Moist cupcakes infused with apple cider and applesauce are topped with a creamy spiced buttercream making them perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 additional apple cider (use apple cider for best flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until evenly blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Then beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and lightly spray with non-stick spray for easy removal.
- Fill and Bake: Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make Spiced Buttercream: In a large bowl, blend softened butter, 1 tablespoon apple cider, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a hand mixer until combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Beat in 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth, then add the remaining 1 cup and mix well. Continue beating for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add additional apple cider by tablespoon if frosting is too thick.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, spread the spiced buttercream frosting evenly on top. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or decorative sprinkles.
- Serve and Enjoy: Devour these moist, flavorful cupcakes with your favorite beverage for a perfect snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oat flour to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Applesauce can be sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference.
- For dairy-free options, substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more apple cider or water to reach desired consistency.
- These cupcakes are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Feel free to decorate with cinnamon sugar or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: apple cider cupcakes, gluten free cupcakes, spiced buttercream frosting, whole grain cupcakes, fall desserts, cinnamon cupcakes