The Delish Dessert You Won't See at Kate Middleton's Wedding: Booze-Infused Cupcakes
The fun new way to get your sweet tooth fix? Desserts made with booze. Whip up one of these intoxicating recipes from Lucy Baker, author of The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited Sweets.
By Molly Triffin
Not only does cooking with liquor make the whole process a hell of a lot more fun (Step 1: Pour yourself a cocktail!), but it also enhances the flavors. Start with the basic cupcake and frosting recipes below, following the instructions for the alcoholic variation of your choice (see all 9 ways underneath the recipe - why not try them all?). Think of it as a party in your mouth!
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Simple Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes 24 cupcakes
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
Preheat the oven to 375°. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
Add one-third of the flour mixture and beat to combine. Add half of the milk and beat to combine. Add another third of the flour, then the remaining milk, then the rest of the flour, beating to combine after each addition.
Divide the batter between the liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden-brown and spring back when pressed lightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then frost with Simple Buttercream Frosting.
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Simple Buttercream Frosting
Makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes
1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (preferably whole)
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add 6 cups of confectioners' sugar, the vanilla, and the milk. Beat on low speed until creamy. Gradually add the remaining confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is thick and creamy.
9 Boozy Variations
1. Mint Julep Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of bourbon. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of bourbon. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Malibu Madness Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of coconut rum (such as Malibu). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coconut rum. Top with shredded sweetened coconut.
3. Cosmo Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, omit the vanilla extract and replace with 2 teaspoons of orange liqueur (like triple sec). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of cranberry flavored vodka and a dash of red food coloring. Put a pinch of freshly-grated lime zest on top.
4. Dark and Stormy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger with the flour. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add with 1 teaspoon of dark rum. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of dark rum. Add 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger. Garnish with lime zest.
5. Coffee Chocolate Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur. Decorate with chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
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6. Lemon Drop Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of limoncello or lemon-flavored vodka (like Absolut Citron).
7. Sangria Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon with the flour and 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest with the eggs. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 2 tablespoons of brandy, 2 tablespoons of fruity red wine, and a dash of red food coloring. Garnish with half a wheel of thinly sliced orange.
8. Cupcakes for Your Guy: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon whiskey. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup whiskey.
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9. Berry Boozy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, after dividing the batter between the liners, spoon 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each one. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur (such as Framboise). Top off each cupcake with a fresh raspberry.
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