Fall. There’s a nip in the air that makes my thoughts turn to cozy evenings sitting by a fire, sipping hot chocolate and snacking on home baked goods. I also have to attend a myriad of holiday parties, family dinners and other events during the upcoming months. I’m the person who’s gotten the reputation for killer desserts so you can guess what I’m asked to bring to every function. Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Truffles, you name it. I receive requests for all of them. So far I’ve been asked to make five different dessert for Thanksgiving dinner, prompting me to ask, “Do I need to cook dinner or should I just serve everyone dessert?”
I try to find one new killer recipe to add to my repertoire each season. After all, I want to keep up my reputation and leave people wanting more! I’d been craving cupcakes for a couple of months after trying a gourmet filled cupcake. “I could make these!” I thought. They’re small enough to satisfy cravings but big on taste. My in-laws had requested I make something featuring amaretto. I agreed and tracked down this recipe for Almond Amaretto Cupcakes. The recipe called for homemade Almond Buttercream frosting.
I’m always looking to save steps without sacrificing taste. I don’t like canned frosting because, to me, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste. I’d heard of new Cool Whip Frosting and, because my children are huge Cool Whip fans who would eat straight from the container if I would let them, decided to use it as my base. It’s found in the frozen section, next to the original Cool Whip , and is nothing like canned frosting. It’s richer, creamier, sweeter and doesn’t have any hint of an aftertaste. Available in three flavors, Cream Cheese, Chocolate and Vanilla, it’s going to be my new go to product of choice for the base of my flavored frostings. As easy as these cupcakes are to make, not only can I make them for Special occasions, I can make them anytime we need a pick me up. Mondays are stressful around our house. We spend the day rushing to various therapy appointments and have to cram in school and errands too. After a long tiring day, it’s fun to come home and have a gourmet cupcake waiting for me, calling my name. These cupcakes will make any Monday, even the gloomy, rainy ones a little brighter.
Here’s my recipe for Almond Amaretto Cupcakes with Amaretto Cool Whip Frosting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs 1
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup slivered almond (can be omitted if you are allergic or have complaining kids who don’t like nuts)
1/4 cup Amaretto
Frosting Ingredients:
1 (10.6 ounce container) Vanilla Cool Whip Frosting
3 Tablespoons Amaretto
- Directions:
- In a medium bowl; sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Alternately add 1/3 of flour and all of the buttermilk, then 1/3 of flour and the Amaretto, beating well after each addition. Add remaining flour; mix until smooth. Stir in almonds. Line muffin cups with baking papers. Fill each 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes or until cupcakes test done. Cool In pans for 5 minutes. Remove and cool completely before frosting.
- To Make Frosting:
- Mix together vanilla frosting and amaretto until smooth. Pipe onto cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator.
These look like a good addition to my cupcake recipe collection-I am always looking for something new to try!
mpapetti@live.com
These look delicious. I have never seen the Cool Whip Frosting before. I like to make my own also, not a fan of the can! Nothing beats a homemade buttercream, it’s nice because you can make it any flavor (peanut butter is my new favorite) and as sweet as you wish!
Those look delicious!
I’m going to have to try these – yummo!!! Thanks for the great details and pics!!
Yum! I love Amaretto and almonds, what a wonderful flavor combination!
Ooooohh….these look super yummy!
I love cupcakes and would love to give yours a try!
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm i want cupcakes!
i have to get some of those frostings. i’m hosting the twitter party next week and need to indulge! i may have to make some of YOUR recipe!!
you are quite the baker! i want you as a neighbor, lol
These look so good! I can’t wait to try out the new Cool Whip Frostings.
I love the flavor of Ameretto and love this recipe.
These look so good! I’m going to pin this cupcake recipe so I can come back to it later. 😀
These look and sound fantastic! I pinned it so I can make these for my mom sometime. She loves Amaretto flavored desserts.
I just saw this on the shelves yesterday. I need to pick some up as it sounded great. Your cupcakes sound delicious!!
Those look so good! My diet ends before too long so I’ll have to bookmark it for now. 🙁
The cupcakes sound so good!
My virtual fork does not seem to be functioning, much to my dismay as I had already perked up at “almond” and the “amaretto” did me in! My address is……
They look wonderful! Especially with that creamy Cool Whip frosting on to! Yum 🙂
Sounds tasty! I’ll have to try this
I think I might try this the chocolate frosting!
Those look yummy and I am glad to see some new frosting options!!!
Oh yum, that looks lovely!
Didn’t know Cool Whip had this product out. Whip cream frosting is a favorite around here, will definitely have to try and test out your recipe, too! Yum!
I love Amaretto! I’m so going to make these. Simple and yummy!
I used to love Amaretto! I’m sure I;d love the cupcakes!
I love almonds.. have to look for this on my next shopping trip… I sure wish my cupcakes turn out as cute as yours. Thank You for sharing the recipe
I was eyeing that the other day in the store, and I’m mad I didn’t get some. Your cupcakes look and sound divine!
I didn’t know about this new frosting. It will definitely be a time saver this holiday. Great recipe thanks for sharing.
Yum!! I love Amaretto, and these looks awesome!
Oh my, this is awesome and I had no clue was out! Would be amazing during the holidays. Thank you!
What a FUN recipe! I have got to get some of that frosting!!
My husband loves almonds so this would be a great recipe for me to try.