Kentucky is most famous for two things: horses and bourbon. The Kentucky Derby is in a little over a week, and I wanted to share a really fun recipe that combines these two things: Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing. It’s the perfect (and cutest) treat to take to Derby parties, or to just enjoy by yourself. I wouldn’t suggest taking these to work parties, unless alcohol is acceptable at your workplace (it isn’t at mine).

I want to start by saying two things. 1. I split my icing in half – half regular icing, and half bourbon infused. I wanted to be able to share these cupcakes. Some people are ok with the bourbon, some are not (I wanted to be able to share these with my nieces and parents, who would need the regular version). I’ve included instructions for both ways of making the icing. 2. Be aware that there’s a difference between softened butter, and melted butter… because before attempting this recipe, I was not, and it cost me a second trip to Kroger and a second attempt at the icing.

The original recipe (see the bottom of the post for the posts that inspired these cupcakes) called for making the cupcakes from scratch. I’m not that fancy, and I wanted a quick cupcake recipe, so I just followed the box instructions. They turned out just fine.  For anyone who’s not the greatest pourer (like me), these silicone bowl pour spouts are wonderful! I use them to pour cupcake and pancake batter, and they work really well!

Again, I split my frosting mixture into two parts, one for bourbon and one without bourbon. I just put the mixture into two separate bowls and added the bourbon to one bowl and left the other mixture as it was. I did half the bourbon amount when splitting the mixtures. This is not a requirement but I didn’t want the bourbon to be overpowering. I used Jim Beam bourbon, but any type of bourbon is fine (at the time this post is going live, Kroger has a coupon for Jim Beam on their app).

Once the frosting mixtures are done, the cupcakes should also be done. Take them out of the oven and let them completely cool. This is the perfect time to create the horses.

Place the Nutter Butters on a plate. Add the mane, eyes, nostrils, and mouth using the gel icing and the candy eyes (I found the candy eyes at Kroger, but craft stores like Michael’s also carry them).

Once the cupcakes are cooled, add the frosting. Place the horses on top of the frosting, leaving a little room at the top to add the ears. Place peanut halves on the sides or the top of the horses’ heads to create ears.

Enjoy! Again, be aware that these do contain alcohol. Do not give them to minors, pregnant women, or people who do not enjoy alcohol. Do not indulge before driving.

INGREDIENTS

Cupcakes:

1 Box Kroger Yellow Cake Mix

Frosting:

1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter (softened)
3 cups Confectioners Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp bourbon
1/4 cup Heavy Cream

Horses:

Nutter Butter cookies
Candy eyes
Black Gel Icing
Unsalted Peanuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the cupcake ingredients according to the instructions on the box.

2. Bake cupcakes according to box instructions.

3. While the cupcakes are baking, mix together the frosting ingredients:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter on high until fluffy.
• Add in powdered sugar until integrated into the butter mixture.
• Add vanilla extract.
• (At this point, if making half bourbon icing and half regular icing, separate the frosting mixture into two bowls.)
• Add bourbon (add only 1 Tbsp into one of the bowls if making half and half).
• Add the heavy cream little by little until the frosting is at desired consistency.

4. Let the cupcakes cool completely. When cooled, frost the cupcakes.

5. Decorate the horses:

• Place Nutter Butters on a plate.
• Draw triangles at the top to make the “mane” with black icing.
• Add eyes close to the mane by “gluing” on the eyes with black icing.
• Draw two dots for nostrils and a line for a mouth.

6. Place horses onto cupcakes. Leave a little room at the top for “ears”.

7. Place peanuts at the top or the sides of the horse’s head to make “ears”.

This recipe was inspired by Flying on Jess Fuel and Baking Smarter.

Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Derby season!

Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington / Lex Eats

Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style / Authentically Emmie

The History of the Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts / Fabulous in Fayette

Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon / Munchkins and the Military

How to Throw the Best Derby Party / The Bliss Between

Affordable Places to Experience Derby / Loud Girl Big World

Derby Party Cocktail / Space, Place & Southern Grace

Derby Cocktail / House Three Thirty Six

Beers for Bourbon Lovers / Love Me Brew

Affordable Derby Outfit / Same McKenna

Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee / Dog Lady Horse Crazy

Derby Party Appetizers / Fashion, Frappes & Felines

Derby Recipe / Bourbon & Lipstick

How to Dress for the Derby / Styled in Blue

Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf Benefiting Norton Cancer Institute / HerKentucky

Derby Recipe / Kabkitchen

Derby Outfit / This Lexington Life

Derby Party Recipes / Gathered Living