Derby Party Ideas :: Oaks Lily Inspired Cupcakes

These sweet little cupcakes are a real treat!  I made these Kentucky Derby cupcakes last weekend for a Supper Club dinner we were attending.  They were light and refreshing, with just a touch of a cocktail taste.  Just like the Oaks Lilly Cocktail is a perfect drink for a Derby party, these cupcakes also go well with other Derby inspired flavors.  They would balance out other chocolate inspired desserts that you might be serving, like Kentucky Bourbon Ball Pops or Kentucky Derby Cupcakes.  If you’re looking for a fruitier flavor to add to your Derby party menu, these cupcakes are a fantastic choice!

Kentucky Oaks Lily Inspired Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

1 box white cake mix

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

3 tablespoons cranberry juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons triple sec

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 – 2/3 cup water

3 eggs whites

1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

Red food coloring (optional)

Frosting:

1 stick butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons vodka

2 tablespoons triple sec

2 tablespoons cranberry juice

4-6 cups powdered sugar

Fresh blackberries & lime zest for garnishing, if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.

Pour cranberry juice, lime, juice, triple sec, and vanilla into a measuring cup.  Fill measuring cup with water until liquid equals 1 cup.  In the bowl of a standing mixer, add cake mix, juice and water mixture, egg whites and oil into bowl.  Add two  to four drops of red food coloring for pink coloring, if desired.  Beat on low for 30 seconds.  Increase mixer speed to high and beat for 2 minutes.  Evenly divide batter between 24 muffin tins.  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:   Combine vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice.  Set aside.  In a mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese.  Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar alternately with 1 tablespoon of the liquid, beating on low speed until blended and smooth after each addition.  Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.  Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lime zest.