Bourbon Mint Julep Delight Cupcakes
Experience the spirit of the Kentucky Derby right in your home with these Bourbon Mint Julep Delight Cupcakes. Infused with the classic flavors of a mint julep, these moist and fluffy cupcakes are perfect for adult gatherings. The blend of rich bourbon, refreshing mint, and a touch of sweetness creates a delightful balance that will have your guests asking for seconds. Topped with a creamy mint frosting, these cupcakes are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a charming addition to any festive occasion. So don your fanciest hat, lift your cupcake high, and enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Mint extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
2 (large, at room temperature)
All-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups plus 1 tablespoon (sifted)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon (none)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Bourbon
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon (none)
Creme de menthe
1/4 cup (none)
Sifted powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
Vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon (none)
Milk (for frosting)
as needed (for consistency adjustment)
Mint sprig
for garnish (optional)
Green sprinkles
for decoration (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing until each is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla and mint extracts and mix well.
5
Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to maintain airiness. Next, pour in the milk and the bourbon along with the creme de menthe, mixing until just combined.
6
Add the remaining dry mixture and continue to combine gently until the batter is smooth, but be careful not to overmix.
7
Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
For the frosting, in a mixing bowl, whip together the softened butter and vegetable shortening until creamy. Gradually add in half of the sifted powdered sugar, mixing well.
10
Incorporate the mint and vanilla extracts along with the bourbon. Finally, add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth, adjusting the consistency with milk as needed.
11
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost each cupcake and, if desired, decorate with fresh mint sprigs and green sprinkles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of these cupcakes?
The cupcakes are flavored with a blend of rich bourbon, refreshing mint, and sweet vanilla, inspired by the classic Kentucky Derby mint julep cocktail.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the Bourbon Mint Julep cupcakes need to bake?
Bake the cupcakes for 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/3 cups plus 1 tablespoon of sifted all-purpose flour.
How should the butter be prepared for the batter?
The butter should be unsalted and softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 large eggs at room temperature.
What types of alcohol are included in the cupcake batter?
The batter includes 1/4 cup of bourbon and 1/4 cup of creme de menthe.
Is there alcohol in the frosting as well?
Yes, the frosting includes bourbon to maintain the mint julep flavor profile.
How full should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising.
How do I know when the cupcakes are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
How long should the cupcakes cool in the pan?
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the baking pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What is the base of the frosting?
The frosting is made from a base of softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sifted powdered sugar.
Why is vegetable shortening used in the frosting?
Vegetable shortening is used alongside butter to create a creamy and stable consistency.
Which extracts are added to the cupcake batter?
The batter uses 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the wet ingredients?
Gradually add half the dry mixture, fold it in, add the liquids, and then add the remaining dry mixture, mixing gently until smooth.
What should I use to garnish the cupcakes?
You can decorate the frosted cupcakes with fresh mint sprigs and green sprinkles.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
This recipe uses 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder as the leavening agent.
How much salt is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How do I adjust the frosting thickness?
You can adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk as needed until it reaches the desired smoothness.
What occasion are these cupcakes best for?
They are perfect for adult gatherings, festive occasions, and especially Kentucky Derby themed parties.
How much sugar is in the cupcake batter?
The batter requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How much powdered sugar is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 and 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
Can I use any type of milk?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk for the batter and additional milk for the frosting.
What is the preparation method for the butter and sugar?
They should be creamed together using a mixer for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Is the creme de menthe used in the frosting?
No, the creme de menthe is only listed for the cupcake batter; the frosting uses mint extract and bourbon.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include bourbon, dessert, kentucky derby, adult treats, and spring baking.
What is the texture of these cupcakes?
These cupcakes are described as moist and fluffy.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the all-purpose flour should be sifted before measuring.
Are these cupcakes suitable for children?
Due to the bourbon and creme de menthe content, these are specifically categorized as adult treats.