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Mint Julep Derby Cakes

The warmth of bourbon and the coolness of mint provide the perfect juxtaposition in each perfectly frosted serving. Scratch-made and full of flavor, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
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Servings 24 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 ¾ cups flour
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pure mint extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup bourbon

Frosting

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 5 –6 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure mint extract
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

To make cupcakes

  • Preheat the oven to 350º. Line two 12-cup cupcake tins with liners and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine salt, baking powder, and flour.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts until creamy.
  • Gradually add flour mixture until just combined. Add milk and bourbon.
  • Fill cupcake liners ¾ full. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cool.
  • After cakes have cooled, brush tops with bourbon.

To prepare frosting

  • Whip butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar.
  • Mix in mint extract, bourbon, and milk slowly until frosting is thick and creamy. Add additional powdered sugar or milk if frosting is too thin or too stiff.
  • Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with mint leaves.