During the holiday season, nothing quite captures the festive spirit like indulging in the rich and creamy goodness of Eggnog Cupcakes. These delightful treats, both the cupcakes and the frosting, are infused with the unmistakable flavor of eggnog, making them a must-have for any Christmas gathering. With a simple yet decadent recipe, these cupcakes are a perfect way to spread holiday cheer and satisfy any eggnog lover’s cravings.
By giving the classic vanilla cupcakes a Christmas makeover, these Eggnog Cupcakes bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your dessert table. Topped with a luscious eggnog buttercream frosting, each bite is a heavenly blend of creamy textures and festive spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a taste of the season, these cupcakes are a delightful way to celebrate with loved ones.
Ingredients
Delight in the rich and creamy flavors of Eggnog Cupcakes with this simple recipe that captures the essence of the holiday season.
For the Eggnog Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Scant 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup butter, softened
- Dash of salt
- Optional: Bourbon for extra flavor
Necessary Tools and Equipment
To make these delicious eggnog cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls in different sizes ready for combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a handheld one, will make mixing the batter and frosting easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so have measuring cups and spoons handy.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining dry ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.
- Rubber Spatula: Use a rubber spatula for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
- Cupcake Pan: Prepare a cupcake pan with liners for baking the cupcakes.
- Piping Bag and Tips: If you want to pipe the buttercream frosting onto the cupcakes, have a piping bag and tips ready.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cupcakes.
- Cooling Rack: Have a cooling rack ready for cooling the cupcakes after baking.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a saucepan for preparing any sauce or filling required for the cupcakes.
- Cupcake Liners: Line your cupcake pan with decorative or standard liners for a professional look.
- Grater: A grater will come in handy for grating nutmeg to top off the cupcakes.
- Decorating Tools: Gather any additional decorating tools you may want to use to garnish your eggnog cupcakes.
Prepare the Ingredients
To create these delectable Eggnog Cupcakes, it’s crucial to assemble all the necessary components beforehand. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to gather:
Cupcake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 cup Shamrock Farms Eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup Shamrock Farms Eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish
Ensuring that you have all these ingredients measured and ready will streamline the baking process and help you achieve the perfect eggnog cupcakes.
Directions
Now let’s dive into creating these scrumptious Eggnog Cupcakes! Follow the steps below to whip up a batch of these festive treats.
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350F (177C) convection or 325F (163C) conventional. Line 13 muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly distributed.
- Add oil and butter to the dry ingredients, beat until combined. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the sour cream and slowly stream in the eggnog while mixing on low speed. Scrape the bowl edges until the batter is smooth.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 to 3/4 full with batter (about 50-55 grams per cupcake). Do not overfill.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the cupcakes spring back when pressed or a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan.
Make the Buttercream
- Whip the butter until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the cooled eggnog custard to the butter in 3-4 increments, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes, leaving a hole in the center for the caramel.
- Fill the hole with the spiced rum salted caramel sauce and top with a pinch of grated nutmeg for a finishing touch.
Cupcake Decorating Tips
Decorating cupcakes is where you can get creative and make your treats visually stunning. Here are some tips to help you achieve beautifully decorated eggnog cupcakes:
1. Use a Piping Bag:
Invest in a good piping bag to get those perfectly swirled frostings on your cupcakes. It allows for better control and precision when decorating.
2. Try Different Tips:
Experiment with various decorating tips to achieve different designs and textures on your cupcakes. For these eggnog cupcakes, I recommend using a 9FT tip from the decorating kit for big beautiful frosting swirls.
3. Add Garnishes:
Elevate the look of your cupcakes by adding garnishes. For these eggnog cupcakes, consider garnishing with mini snowflake sugar cookies and a sprinkle of nutmeg for that festive touch.
4. Brush with Flavors:
For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, consider brushing the cooled cupcakes with a mixture of eggnog and bourbon before frosting. It’s optional but adds a delicious touch.
5. Frost Generously:
When piping the frosting onto the cupcakes, be generous with the amount of frosting for that indulgent look and taste. Use the piping bag fitted with a decorative tip for that professional finish.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your delicious eggnog cupcakes fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Here are some simple steps to ensure your cupcakes stay moist and tasty for as long as possible:
- Cool Completely: Before storing your cupcakes, make sure they are completely cooled. Placing warm cupcakes in an airtight container can cause condensation, leading to soggy cupcakes.
- Airtight Container: Store your cupcakes in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. A container with a tight-fitting lid will help maintain the moisture within the cupcakes.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cupcakes within 1-2 days, they can be stored at room temperature. However, if your kitchen is warm, consider storing them in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cupcakes in the refrigerator. Refrigerated cupcakes can last up to 3-4 days. Before serving, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your cupcakes for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cupcakes can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
By following these storage recommendations, you can enjoy your delightful eggnog cupcakes at their prime, whether you are savoring them over a few days or saving them for a special occasion.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delightful Eggnog Cupcakes recipe that promises to be a hit at any festive gathering. These cupcakes, with their rich eggnog flavor and decadent buttercream frosting, are a must-try for any dessert lover. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily whip up a batch of these treats in no time. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving them for a special occasion. With the right storage techniques, you can savor the delicious taste of these Eggnog Cupcakes for days to come.