Champagne Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting
Indulge in a touch of luxury with these decadent Champagne Cupcakes topped with zesty Lemon Frosting. Perfect for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup champagne
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a small saucepan, heat the champagne over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream.
- Fold in the reduced champagne until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with lemon frosting and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use sparkling wine instead of champagne?
- Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Q: Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
- Q: How can I make the cupcakes more lemony?
A: Yes, you can substitute sparkling wine for champagne in this recipe.
A: It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the recipe.
A: Egg whites are used in this recipe for a lighter texture, but you can use whole eggs if preferred.
A: You can add lemon zest to the cupcake batter for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the champagne reduction.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Top the cupcakes with candied lemon peel for an elegant finish.
Expert Secrets:
- To achieve a light and fluffy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter.
- For a glamorous presentation, dust the cupcakes with edible gold glitter.
- Experiment with different types of champagne to find your favorite flavor profile.