King Cake Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons colored sprinkles
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pecans, and sprinkles.
7. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream and beat until combined.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• King Cake Cupcakes are perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras.
• They are a twist on the traditional King Cake, which is a ring-shaped cake filled with cinnamon and sugar.
• The cake is often decorated with purple, green, and gold, which are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras.