Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
Give your classic vanilla cupcakes a Christmas make-over with these rich, creamy, light and airy eggnog cupcakes topped with an eggnog buttercream frosting. The classic flavor of eggnog is a great way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. This simple and easy recipe takes 5 minutes to mix and 20 minutes to bake. Celebrations don't get easier than this. Do they?
It's an eggnog flavored recipe again. I know! but it's the most popular Christmas flavor. Eggnog is one flavor you either love it or hate it. I don't think there is an in-between. Is there? I personally love it but my bestie hates it. She finds it too eggy.
Though, if you try my eggnog recipe it is never eggy. The eggy smell usually comes if you have undercooked the mixture. Do you know that eggnog was not always cooked? I remember my grandmom use to say the hot milk and alcohol cooks the eggs. Well, back in those days they didn't have any salmonella fears.
Now, these cupcakes? Guys? If you love eggnog you MUST try this recipe. I've used my basic vanilla cupcakes recipe and added some real homemade eggnog. If you have tried my homemade eggnog recipe you know it's absolutely the best thing EVER!!
Let's talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- All-purpose flour - Yes, regular plain flour (maida) is all you need for these cupcakes. Do not use any self-raising as those contain more leavening.
- Oil - I like the light and airy texture the oil gives these cupcakes. You can use 1/2 cup butter or margarine if you want but I'd rather you use oil.
- Sugar - I prefer to use white sugar so I can keep the color of the pumpkin puree in the cupcakes. Brown sugar adds a caramel taste as well as color to them.
- Eggnog - You can use store-bought eggnog but it really is simple and easy to make at home too. I have a classic eggnog recipe right here for you that you will really enjoy making.
- Vanilla Extract - Always use a good quality vanilla extract. I know it's expensive, which is why I make my own vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste as well as vanilla sugar.
Useful Tips and Tools
- If you bake often it would be a good idea to invest in a cake mixer because often we try to mix by hand and then, are too tired to give it enough creaming or mixing. So, if you making this buttercream go head and remove that K-Mix or Kitchen Aid from the back of the cabin. You don't have to buy an expensive stand mixer a simple hand mixer works great too.
- Having said that, a simple Bowl, whisk and Spatula with a little extra elbow grease will do too.
- Personally, I believe in weighing ingredients by weight which makes my kitchen scaleone of the most invaluable items when baking. Same goes with mymeasuring cups and measuring spoons. It's always a good idea to have these handy and use them when baking rather than trying to guess measurements.
- Also, it is important to buy cupcake linersfrom a trust-worthy source to prevent peeling. There is nothing worse than to bake good cupcakes or muffins and then have all the liners peels off.
- Additionally, you can use a measuring cup to ensure you divide the batter evenly among all the cupcakes or muffins. That way all your cupcakes will be a similar size. Personally, I love using my cupcake scooper for that purpose.
- A good baking tray is always ideal for baking. I like to line the baking tray with Parchment Paper for easy clean up just in case fo spillage.
- Every oven works differently so the baking times are just guidelines. In the case of muffins and cupcakes often it is a good idea to rotate the baking tray mid-way while baking so they cook and rise evenly.
How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream (Save/Pin)
Prepare cupcakes
- Preheat the oven at 170 C 350 F.
- Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
- In a bowl - whip eggs with sugar until sugar is almost dissolved.
- Add the oil, continue to mix well.
- Next, add the vanilla.
- Followed by the eggnog.
- Lastly, add in the flour and mix to a smooth batter.
- Using an ice cream scooper or spoon divide the batter into cupcake liners.
- Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Prepare Frosting
- Cream butter for a minute.
- Add the salt, vanilla – combine well.
- Followed by the eggnog.
- Add powdered sugar in three batches and combine well.
- Once all the powdered sugar is in – whip for three minutes until light and fluffy.
- Use as desired.
Decorate
- Place frosting in a piping bag with a large round tip.
- Pipe a swirl on the cupcake (as shown in the video)
- Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg
12 tips for baking perfect Eggnog cupcakes every single time
- Follow the recipe properly with minimum substitutions.
- Always use good quality ingredients.
- Make sure the ingredients are all at room temperature.
- Never over-mix the batter.
- Use a scoop for baking similar size cupcakes.
- Always preheat the oven before baking - a hot oven works best for cupcakes.
- Bake cupcakes at the right temperature.
- Always bake cupcakes on the center rack one tray at a time.
- Never open the oven during baking - no peeking.
- Remove cupcakes from their pan no later than 7 to 10 minutes after baking.
- Store cupcakes properly after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Cupcakes dry in the fridge unless wrapped properly with plastic wrap.
- Simple syrup the cupcakes if you don't plan to eat them on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Baking perfect cupcakes is not hard to achieve if you follow the above 12 tips for perfect cupcakes.
There are a few things you can do - I discuss it in this post -- how to avoid cupcake liners peeling after baking.
There are few things you can do to bake similar size cupcakes - we discussed that in detail here - How to bake same size cupcakes.
You can place cupcakes in the fridge for a few minutes to cool them quickly. I like to place them for just 5 to 7 minutes in the freezer.
Never leave cupcakes in the fridge open for long as they will dry out.
I like to bake at 160 - 170 C, or 310 to 325 F, or gas mark 2 - 3.
Depending on how hot your oven temperature is, cupcakes usually take between 18 to 22 minutes. If your cupcakes bake quicker than 18 minutes or longer than 22 minutes, it's probably best to check if your oven needs calibration.
Yes, you can substitute 2 tbsp flour for cocoa powder.
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds.
This recipe works best with eggs, but I do have an eggless vanilla cake recipe that works beautifully if you replace the liquid in the recipe with eggnog.
This recipe makes just 12 cupcakes which are not enough for a cake. You can, however, double the recipe to make 2x 6 inch round cakes. I do have an Eggnog Yule Log cake that is very popular.
What other frostings can I use for these Eggnog cupcakes?
Oh, these cupcakes are delicious with just about any frosting. I have shared with you more than 30 different buttercream flavors here on the blog but these are just a few suggestions.
- Velvet American buttercream
- Vanilla buttercream (eggless)
- Swiss Meringue or Italian Meringue
- French Buttercream and German buttercream
- whipped cream buttercream frosting
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Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
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Ingredients
FOR THE CUPCAKES
- 1 1/2 cup (190 g) All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg fresh grated
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) White Sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) Cooking oil
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) Eggnog
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
FOR THE FROSTING
- 8 oz (226 g) Butter unsalted, room temperature
- 4 cups (480 g) Powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Eggnog
Instructions
PREPARE CUPCAKES
- Preheat the oven at 170 C 350 F.
- Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
- In a bowl – whip eggs with sugar until sugar is almost dissolved.
- Add the oil, continue to mix well.
- Next, add the vanilla.
- Followed by the eggnog.
- Lastly, add in the flour and mix to a smooth batter.
- Using an ice cream scooper or spoon divide the batter into cupcake liners.
- Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before decorating.
PREPARE FROSTING
- Cream butter for a minute.
- Add the salt, vanilla – combine well.
- Followed by the eggnog (you can add up to 1/2 cup eggnog but whip it well)
- Add powdered sugar and cornstarch in three batches and combine well.
- Once all the powdered sugar is in – whip for three minutes until light and fluffy.
- Use as desired.
FROST THE CUPCAKES
- Place frosting in a piping bag with a large round tip.
- Pipe a swirl on the cupcake (as shown in the video)
- Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg
Recipe Notes
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites
My fiance and I were just talking about eggnog tonight. He couldn't believe that I have never tried it...but in cupcake form, like this...I think it's time I do! Looks delish!
Veena Azmanov
Ah, sounds like perfect timing. You will love these cupcakes, Lauren.
Alina
Eggnog is so good to enjoy in winter. But eggnog cupcakes? A clever idea, great Christmas treat!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Alina.
Rebecca
These eggnog cupcakes are so sweet! I'm weirdly not at all a fan of the drink, but I love the flavor in dessert form 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Rebecca.
Mary
These cupcakes are beautiful! I love eggnog and I'd love to try this buttercream!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Mary.
Ellen
That's a great looking cupcake! We absolutely love eggnog so these would be a hit here.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Ellen.
Julia
Mmm.. the frosting sounds so tasty! Must give it a go!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Julia
Claudia Lamascolo
what a delicious festive flavor. Who could resist such holiday cheer. They sure look delicious and perfect for Christmas
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Claudia
kim
These are adorable and so festive for the holidays! Can't wait to make them for my daughter's Christmas party!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, Kim.
Nicole Triebe
oh my goodness! These are so perfect for the holiday. Can't wait to add these to the menu!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Nicole.
Swathi
Veena this is ultimate holiday cupcakes, Without eggnog hard to think about eggnog. I am going to give it a try.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Swathi. yes, sure it perfect for the holidays.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
The frosting on these cupcakes is so beautiful and I am loving the season flavors! I can't wait to give them a try!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you.
Pavani
Oh my, your eggnog cupcakes sound like the perfect holiday time treat. So flavorful, airy and absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with us.
Veena Azmanov
They sure are perfect for the holidays Pavani.
Catalina
I love everything eggnogg! These cupcakes look amazingly delicious and so perfect for our Christmas party! These need to happen!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Catalina. I hope you try these.
Tara
Such beautiful cupcakes for the holidays! That eggnog buttercream frosting looks absolutely incredible and I love the sprinkling of nutmeg.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Tara.
Natalie
Oh these cupcakes look fantastic. I love how cute they look and so festive. I know my kiddo would definitely love this. Well I wouldn't mind one or two myself 😉
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Natalie. I hope you make these for him.
Adrianne
These are super cute! They fit the brief perfectly and I am sure they will delight. I love how perfectly piped each cupcake is, well done!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Adrianne.
Kelly
I know some eggnog lovers who are going to be so happy with this recipe. Will be sure to share!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kelly.
Andrea Metlika
The most Eggnogiest deliciousness! Making these right away.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Andrea
Dan Zehr
LOVE egg nog!!! I grew up with a homemade recipe and it was just a couple years a go that I tried the store bought stuff for the first time. I still prefer the homemade, but won’t say no to the store bought stuff!
Can’t wait to try these cupcakes!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Dan. Me too loved eggnog ever since a kid.