Booze Infused Cupcakes
The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited Sweets
Start with the basic cupcakes and frosting recipes below, following the instructions for the alcoholic variation of your choice (see all 9 ways underneath the basic recipe).
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Ingredients
- Simple Vanilla Cupcakes
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 T (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
- Simple Buttercream Frosting
- 1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 6-8 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (preferably whole)
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 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 3 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 18-20 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.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add 6 cups of confectioner’s sugar, the vanilla, and the milk. Beat on low speed until creamy. Gradually add the remaining confectioner’s sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is thick and creamy.
Mint Julep Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp of bourbon. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of bourbon. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves.
Malibu Madness Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp of coconut rum (such as Malibu). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of coconut rum. Top with shredded sweetened coconut.
Cosmo Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, omit the vanilla extract and replace with 2 tsp of orange liqueur (like triple sec). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of cranberry flavored vodka and a dash of red food coloring. Put a pinch of freshly grated lime zest on top.
Dark and Stormy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add ½ tsp ground ginger with the flour. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp dark rum. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of dark rum. Add 2 tsp freshly grated ginger. Garnish with lime zest.
Coffee Chocolate Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of coffee liqueur. Decorate with chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
Lemon Drop Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of limoncello or lemon-flavored vodka (like Absolut Citron).
Sangria Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1 tsp cinnamonwith the flour and 1 T freshly grated orange zest with the eggs. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add 2 T of brandy, 2 T of fruity red wine, and a dash of red food coloring. Garnish with half a wheel of thinly sliced orange.
Cupcakes for Your Guy: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp whiskey. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup whiskey.
Berry Boozy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, after dividing the batter between the liners, spoon 1 tsp of raspberry jam in the center of each one. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup raspberry liqueur (such as Franboise). Top off each cupcake with a fresh raspberry.