Derby Cupcakes

Saturday is the day for the "fastest 2 minutes in sports".  That's right it's Kentucky Derby Day. I haven't looked at any of the names of the horses this year, but I'm sure they will be creative.  I understand that there could be the first winner that has a woman trainer.  I'm sure they will talk about that in the 2 1/2 hours of "pregame" talk.  This recipe is an interesting twist to the Derby pie that is so popular at the Derby.  I hope you enjoy these cupcakes.  I know I will.

The recipe called for making some pie crust garnishes as well for the top but I chose not to do that.  I did think about making some chocolate horse shoes but ran out of time.  But if you would like to do that, they would be really cute on top.

I will admit I had to make a special trip for the buttermilk for this recipe.  Now I will have to find other recipes to use the rest of it.

Start with 2 sticks softened butter.

Add 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar

Mix until nice and fluffy.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time and mix well after each egg.

Add 3 cups of all purpose flour.  BUT add 1 1/2 cups at one time so you can alternate with the buttermilk.

I went ahead and added the 2 teaspoons baking powder and..

1/2 teaspoon salt to the first half of the flour.

Measure out 3/4 cup buttermilk.

Add the first half of the flour

And half the buttermilk.  Mix well.

Then add the second half of the flour

And buttermilk

1 teaspoon of vanilla.  Mix well.

Add 1.2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans.  I used the food processor to get them chopped small.

Mix well.

Scoop into prepared muffin pans.  Place in a preheated 325 oven.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  

While the cupcakes are cooling, mix up the icing.

Start with 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 stick softened butter

Add 1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla.  I didn't worry about using the clear vanilla this time because the brown sugar will make the icing a beige color anyway.

Add 4 cups powdered sugar

Mix well.  If you need it thicker add a little more powdered sugar.

I used a star tip with a zip lock bag to pipe the cupcakes.

Add a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips

And the final touch is a whole pecan half in the middle.  Store in the fridge.

Derby Cupcakes Recipe

3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter softened
2 1/4 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated 325 oven.

Icing
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 stick softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla