Mint Julep Cupcakes
This Mint Julep cupcake is reminiscent of the famous drink found at the iconic Kentucky Derby. This easy recipe uses real Kentucky bourbon in the batter and mint jelly in the icing to give these moist, delicious cupcakes that Mint Julep kick!
It’s almost Kentucky Derby time, and even though I’ve never been, it is on my bucket list to attend this iconic event sometime in the future. For now, I will have to vicariously enjoy it at home, watching it on the television, while indulging it a few treats like these Mint Julep Cupcakes and drinks reminiscent of this longest running sporting event in the U.S. (which is ironic, because the event is actually extremely short, about 2 minutes long.) I love seeing all the unique and crazy big hats the ladies wear, and this year I took a trip to the dollar store and challenged myself to creating a $3 derby hat…so if you’re interested in how in turned out, or you want to make one for yourself, see my blog post and instructions here…but if you just want to have a small derby party or make these for your own enjoyment, try my Mint Julep Cupcakes recipe!
Let’s begin!
Ingredients:
For Cake:
¼ tsp salt
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
½ cup softened butter (or plant-based substitute)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
½ cup Greek yogurt (or buttermilk)
2 tbsp Kentucky Bourbon (can substitute 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
1 cup all-purpose flour
For Icing:
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup softened butter (or plant-based substitute)
2 tsp Kentucky Bourbon (can substitute 1 tsp vanilla extract)
1 tbsp mint jelly
Optional:
1 tsp mint extract (for added mint flavor)
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Green food color
Instructions:
Line a cupcake tin (this recipe makes 12 regular sized cupcakes) and preheat oven to 350℉ / 175℃.
In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking powder together and set aside.
Next, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Then add egg, bourbon (or vanilla) and greek yogurt and mix at medium speed until combined.
Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each time.
Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and do any final mixing by hand.
Evenly distribute batter between the cupcake liners, (about half full in each one.)
Bake at 350℉ /175℃ for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and when checked with a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Brush each cupcake with bourbon and let the cupcakes completely cool before frosting.
Mint Bourbon Frosting directions:
With a mixer, whip the butter on on high speed until fluffy and light, then add powdered sugar, roughly a 1/2 cup at a time, beating at low speed.
Next, add the flavor! Pour in the bourbon (or vanilla) and add the mint jelly. Mix until well combined.
NOTE: I really thought the green mint jelly would give the frosting a little green color, but it didn’t…interesting! …but if you want some color, add the green food coloring.
HINT: The mint jelly is not overwhelming at all, I think it’s the perfect amount, however, if you want a little more mint flavor, add 1/2 tsp mint extract.
Now you’re all ready to frost your cupcakes! Don’t worry, if you don’t have icing bags or tips, you can use a plastic sandwich bag and snip off the corner and pipe out (as pictured.)
If desired, garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Enjoy!
🏇💜Julie
Mint Julep Cupcakes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a cupcake tin (this recipe makes 12 regular sized cupcakes) and preheat oven to 350℉ / 175℃.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking powder together and set aside.
- Next, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Then add egg, bourbon (or vanilla) and greek yogurt and mix at medium speed until combined.
- Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each time.
- Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and do any final mixing by hand.
- Evenly distribute batter between the cupcake liners, (about half full in each one.)
- Bake at 350℉ /175℃ for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and when checked with a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
- Brush each cupcake with bourbon and let the cupcakes completely cool before frosting.
- With a mixer, whip the butter on on high speed until fluffy and light, then add powdered sugar, roughly a 1/2 cup at a time, beating at low speed.
- Next, pour in the bourbon (or vanilla) and add the mint jelly.
- Mix until well combined.
- At this point, if you wish to add any of the optional ingredients, such as green food coloring or mint extract, you may add and mix well.
- If icing is thick, add a little water or more bourbon, or if too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency.
- Add icing to a piping bag (or plastic sandwich bag with corner snipped) and frost your cupcakes.
- Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
346.08Fat (grams)
15.9Sat. Fat (grams)
9.88Carbs (grams)
47.46Fiber (grams)
0.29Net carbs
47.18Sugar (grams)
38.3Protein (grams)
2.64Sodium (milligrams)
232.87Cholesterol (grams)
56.59
