Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- ½ cup bourbon (optional for authentic flavor)
- For the mint julep frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- Fresh mint extract or crushed mint leaves
- Green food coloring (for that minty look)
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with your favorite liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped mint leaves and bourbon (if using) for an authentic mint julep flavor.
- Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- While cooling, prepare the mint julep frosting by beating softened butter, powdered sugar, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes generously and garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a vintage presentation.
Notes
- Chopping fresh mint leaves finely enhances the flavor distribution in both the batter and frosting.
- For an extra minty flavor, add more mint extract or crushed mint leaves to the frosting.
- Use high-quality bourbon for a more authentic taste, but it is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg