Cupcakes with wine

Red Wine Cupcakes: A Decadent Delight for Special Moments

If you are a fan of unique desserts, these red wine cupcakes will instantly captivate you! Combining the rich flavor of wine with warm notes of cinnamon and cloves, these treats are perfect for parties, birthdays, or simply to indulge your taste buds. Plus, the recipe is relatively simple and will impress anyone who crosses your threshold.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 14 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:
- 95 g unsalted butter (82% fat), softened
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 400 g flour
- 20 g cocoa
- 10 g baking powder
- 300 ml red wine (choose a quality wine with fruity notes)

For simmering the wine:
- 3 cloves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick

For the frosting:
- 250 g yogurt cheese (like ricotta or mascarpone)
- 1 tablespoon multifloral honey
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sweet cream (20% fat)

For the glaze:
- 300 ml red wine
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cinnamon stick

For decoration:
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon red wine
- 1 drop red food coloring (optional)

Step by step

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. Make sure the temperature is correct, as even baking is essential for fluffy cupcakes.

2. Simmering the wine: In a small pot, add the wine, cloves, sugar, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Once it has boiled, allow the wine to cool.

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with the powdered sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to mix on low speed.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Add half of the flour and mix gently. Then, pour the cooled simmered wine into the batter, mixing well to integrate all ingredients.

5. Adding the remaining flour: In another bowl, mix the remaining flour with the baking powder and cocoa. Fold this mixture into your batter, stirring with a spatula until everything is homogeneous.

6. Filling the molds: Prepare the muffin cups, filling them with 2 tablespoons of batter each. Make sure the cups are not completely filled to allow the cupcakes to rise.

7. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are baked.

Preparing the frosting

8. The frosting: In a bowl, mix the yogurt cheese with the cream and honey using a hand mixer. Ensure you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of honey according to your preferences.

The wine glaze

9. Preparing the glaze: In a non-stick pot, place the wine, honey, sugar, and cinnamon stick over medium heat. Boil until the liquid reduces and becomes syrupy, forming bubbles on the surface. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

The decoration

10. Decorative caramel: In a pot, combine sugar with water and wine. Boil the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it starts to bubble. When it reaches the desired consistency, add the red food coloring if using.

11. Forming caramel strands: Dip two spoons in the hot caramel and, with a quick motion, start to stick them together, forming delicate strands of caramel.

Assembling the cupcakes

12. Decorating: Use a piping bag to decorate the cupcakes with the cheese frosting. Then, drizzle the wine glaze on top, adding the caramel strands for a spectacular look.

Final note

It is important to prepare the caramel just before serving the cupcakes, as it can become soft when in contact with the cheese cream.

Helpful tip

These red wine cupcakes pair perfectly with a glass of red wine or a fragrant coffee. They can also be served alongside a berry sauce for a contrasting flavor.

Nutritional information

Each cupcake contains approximately 220 calories, making it a delicious yet not overly caloric choice. The red wine adds not only flavor but also antioxidants, while the yogurt cheese provides essential proteins.

Possible variations

For an alcohol-free version, you can replace the wine with red grape juice or a mix of fruit juices. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add chocolate or dried fruit to the batter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, but choose a fruity red wine to maintain the balance of flavors.

2. How can I store the cupcakes?
They store well at room temperature for 2-3 days, but it’s recommended to consume them fresh for optimal texture.

3. Is it possible to make gluten-free cupcakes?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to follow specific preparation instructions to achieve a successful result.

These red wine cupcakes are not just a simple dessert, but an explosion of flavors and textures that will bring a touch of magic to any meal. By trying this recipe, you will not only create a delicious dessert but also memorable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!