Apple Cider Cupcakes with Apple Cider Buttercream

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup apple cider

For the Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 (1 block) ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablspoons apple cider
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with liners. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, sugar, salt, olive oil and vanilla.
3. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, making sure they are fully incorporated after each addition.
4. Add in baking soda, cinnamon, half of flour and half of cider. Whisk to combine.
5. Add in remaining flour and cider. Whisk together until just incorporated. Batter will be runny.
6. Divide the batter among your prepared cupcake liners, filling 2/3 the way full. Bake for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They will look a little dark on the top, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are burning.
7. Let cool completely before frosting.

For the Buttercream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. (About 3 minutes)
2. Add in powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in cinnamon, vanilla and apple cider until well incorporated.
4. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and pipe a dollop onto the top of each of your cooled cupcakes. Enjoy!

*Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to one week.

*If the buttercream is not stiff enough after adding the vanilla and cider, you can add some more powdered sugar until it reaches a stiff and pipe-able consistency. This will not hurt the flavor.

Makes 12 Cupcakes