Introduction
Eggnog Cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat that encapsulates the creamy texture, warm nutmeg, and sweet vanilla flavors of traditional eggnog. These soft cupcakes are topped with a rich eggnog buttercream, making them perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cupcakes:
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¾ cup eggnog
For the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– ¼ cup eggnog
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
18-20 minutes
Total Time
45-50 minutes
Yield
12 cupcakes
Directions
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
– Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
– Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cupcakes:
– Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the eggnog buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
– Optionally, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg or festive sprinkles on top for decoration.
Enjoy these Eggnog Cupcakes as a festive addition to your holiday celebrations!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cupcakes:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
– Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
– Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
– Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the eggnog buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
– Optionally, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg or festive sprinkles on top for decoration.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions:
– For a dairy-free version, use almond or coconut-based eggnog and vegan butter.
Storage Instructions:
– Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Servings:
– This recipe makes approximately 12 cupcakes, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Frosting Consistency:
– If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Cupcake Pan
Line the cupcake pan with paper liners and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring the mixture is well-aerated for a lighter cupcake texture.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract, allowing for a stable batter structure.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually combine the dry mixture with the butter mixture and eggnog, alternating between them to minimize flour clumping and achieve a smooth batter.
Checking for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean for properly baked cupcakes.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy and incorporate powdered sugar gradually for a smooth consistency before adding eggnog and spices.
Frosting Technique
Use a piping bag or spatula to apply the frosting evenly onto cooled cupcakes, creating your desired look.
Final Touches
Sprinkle extra ground nutmeg or festive sprinkles on top for decoration, adding a holiday flair.
FAQ
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and eggnog with dairy-free alternatives.
How long do these cupcakes last?
Eggnog cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for about 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I freeze eggnog cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw them before frosting.
What other flavors can I add?
You can add spices like cinnamon or incorporate chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
To reduce sweetness, add less powdered sugar or incorporate a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
Eggnog Cupcakes are a festive delight that bring the essence of holiday cheer through their creamy, spiced flavors. With their soft texture and rich eggnog buttercream, they make for a perfect dessert at any holiday gathering, ensuring a sweet finish to festive meals. Enjoying these cupcakes is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create joyful memories with friends and family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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