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Perfect Classic Mint Julep Cupcakes Recipe with Easy Bourbon Buttercream Frosting

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These mint julep cupcakes capture the spirit of the Kentucky Derby with a subtle mint flavor and a silky bourbon buttercream frosting. Perfect for warm evenings or Derby parties, they offer a moist crumb and a delightful Southern twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • ¼ cup mint simple syrup (made with sugar, water, and fresh mint)
  • For the bourbon buttercream:
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, finely minced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Make the mint simple syrup: Combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan. Add ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves and simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, steep for 15 minutes, then strain and cool completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Mix in milk, vanilla extract, bourbon, and 2 tbsp of the cooled mint simple syrup. Stir gently but thoroughly.
  7. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and then fold in the chopped fresh mint leaves carefully to avoid overmixing.
  8. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter (yields 12 cupcakes).
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare bourbon buttercream: Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add bourbon and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
  12. Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or knife. Garnish with a small mint leaf or finely chopped mint.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for best creaming results. Do not overmix mint leaves to keep bright flecks visible. Brush cupcakes lightly with leftover mint simple syrup before frosting if they seem dry. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Mint simple syrup should be simmered gently and strained well to avoid bitterness and bits.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint julep cupcakes, bourbon buttercream, Kentucky Derby dessert, mint cupcakes, bourbon frosting, Southern desserts, easy cupcakes

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-classic-mint-julep-cupcakes-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-buttercream-frosting/