Fall is the time for all-things pumpkin. But what if you’re not a pumpkin fan? Fortunately, there are plenty of other dessert options for the season. And focusing on fresh apples and chai spices is the perfect solution.
These cupcakes are made with Brewery Ommegang’s, Chai Cider. Ommegang’s chai cider is part of a collaboration with Harney & Sons, New York-based blenders of fine teas, and the incredible flavors come through both in the cake and the frosting of these festive fall treats The addition of cider adds notes of apple and spice to these cupcakes, while also making them extra fluffy. One bite will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket cozied up next to a fire. Enjoy them on their own or serve them with a cold can of spiced chai cider to celebrate the season.
Cinnamon Chaider Cupcakes
Makes 14 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup white sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
¼ cup oil
¼ cup milk
½ cup Ommegang’s Chai Cider
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all dry ingredients together in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add in the eggs one at a time and mix. Next, mix in the oil and the milk. Finally, mix in the cider until just incorporated.
Grease or line a cupcake pan. Fill each cupcake well halfway full with batter. Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let cool completely before topping with cinnamon buttercream.
Cinnamon Chaider Buttercream Frosting
INGREDIENTS
½ cup butter, softened
5-6 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons Ommegang’s Chai Cider
DIRECTIONS
Add the softened stick of butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Whip the butter until smooth and gradually add one cup of powdered sugar while the mixer is running. Gradually add the cider and milk. Continue to gradually add the rest of the powdered sugar while the mixer is running, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Once all ingredients are incorporated and the frosting begins to form, increase the speed of the mixer to whip the frosting. Top your cooled cupcakes with the frosting. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
