Southern Charm Cupcakes

Ingredients

In this adaptation to Southern American cuisine, the cupcakes incorporate flavors and ingredients commonly found in Southern cooking. The cupcakes are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the frosting is made with a touch of Southern pecans for added richness and texture. The overall taste profile is reminiscent of Southern desserts, with a perfect balance of sweetness and comforting flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Cupcake, so you can check it out.

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans
• For the frosting: For the frosting:
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans, for garnish ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. 6.
   Fold in the chopped pecans.
7. 7.
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. 8.
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
10. 10.
11. 11.
    For the frosting:
12. 12.
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
13. 13.
    Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
14. 14.
    Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
15. 15.
    Garnish with chopped pecans.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pecans — Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cupcakes.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the cupcake batter.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of ground cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.
• To make the cupcakes even more Southern-inspired, drizzle a small amount of warm caramel sauce over the frosting before garnishing with pecans.
• If you don't have whole milk, you can substitute it with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
• Experiment with different frosting flavors by adding a tablespoon of bourbon or a teaspoon of maple extract.

Serving advice

Serve these Southern Charm Cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect for birthdays, parties, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To add a touch of Southern charm to the presentation, place each cupcake in a decorative cupcake liner and top with a small edible flower or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Arrange the cupcakes on a vintage cake stand or a rustic wooden serving board for a charming display.