Rich, boozy, and fruity, peach bourbon cupcakes offer a grown-up twist on classic flavors.
Moist peach-infused cake is kissed with bourbon in the frosting, creating a sweet, slightly spiked treat that’s indulgent and memorable.
Enjoy a batch of peach bourbon cupcakes and savor the unique combination of juicy peaches and warm bourbon in each bite.
How to Make Peach Bourbon Cupcakes
Simple enough to make at home, they’re perfect for special occasions, weekend treats, or impressing friends at brunch.
Top with fresh peach slices or a light glaze for an elegant finish.
How to Get Your Peach Bourbon Cupcakes Just Right
Baking with fruit and bourbon can be a delicate balance; too much moisture or alcohol can affect texture, while too little leaves the flavor flat.
Here’s how to get these Peach Bourbon Cupcakes perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and tender every time.
1. For Perfect Presentation
Use a large piping tip (like Ateco 849 or Wilton 1M) for beautiful swirls, and garnish each cupcake with a thin fresh peach slice just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
2. Use Freeze-Dried Peaches for Maximum Flavor
Fresh peaches add moisture but not much concentrated flavor. Grinding freeze-dried peaches into a fine powder gives your cupcakes a strong, natural peach taste without watering down the batter.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
After adding the wet ingredients, mix just until the batter is smooth.
Overmixing activates the gluten in the cake mix and can make your cupcakes dense or tough instead of light and fluffy.
4. Check Your Oven Temperature
Cupcakes bake best at an accurate 350°F (177°C). If your oven runs hot, they may brown too quickly before baking through.
Use an oven thermometer for precise results, and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
5. Add Bourbon with Care
The bourbon enhances flavor and depth, but a little goes a long way.
Stick to the 2 tablespoons called for because too much alcohol can alter the texture or cause uneven baking.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce it to 1 tablespoon or replace it with extra peach nectar.
6. Cool Completely Before Frosting
Warm cupcakes will melt the buttercream, making it greasy or runny. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting to ensure clean, stable swirls.
7. Beat the Buttercream Until Fluffy
Creaming the butter, sugar, and peach powder thoroughly incorporates air, giving your frosting a soft, silky texture.
If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon of cream at a time until it’s smooth and spreadable.
8. Taste and Adjust Sweetness
Depending on your peaches and bourbon, sweetness levels may vary.
Before frosting all the cupcakes, taste the buttercream and balance it with an extra pinch of salt or a touch more powdered sugar, if needed.
Peach Bourbon Cupcakes
18
cupcakes20
minutes18
minutesWant a boozy twist on dessert? These peach bourbon cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a delicate frosting that highlights the bourbon.
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes
1 box yellow cake mix
2 cups freeze-dried peaches, ground to a fine powder in a food processor
1 cup peach nectar or water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 can peach halves, drained
2 Tbsp bourbon (optional but recommended)
- For the Buttercream
3½–4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup freeze-dried peaches, ground to a fine powder in the food processor
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp bourbon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh peach slices, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two muffin pans with about 18–20 cupcake liners. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, freeze-dried peach powder, peach nectar (or water), vegetable oil, eggs, and bourbon (if using). Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
- Add the peach halves and mix briefly—around 30 seconds—just until the fruit breaks into small chunks throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Peach Bourbon Buttercream
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a handheld mixer), beat the softened butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract together on medium speed for about 1 minute, until smooth and creamy.
- Add the peach powder and 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Continue alternating between adding small amounts of the heavy cream and the remaining sugar, beating on medium-high speed until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble & Decorate
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the buttercream generously on top.
- Finish each cupcake with a fresh peach slice for a bright, elegant touch.
Variation Tips
These Peach Bourbon Cupcakes are already bursting with flavor, but there are plenty of fun and easy ways to customize them.
Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, dialing up the flavor, or trying something new, here are some creative variations to make them your own.
1. Make it Alcohol-Free
If you prefer not to use bourbon, simply replace it with additional peach nectar, orange juice, or vanilla extract. You’ll still get a rich, fruity sweetness without the alcohol.
2. Try a Different Fruit Twist
Swap out the peaches for other fruits that pair well with bourbon flavorings:
- Mango or apricot for a tropical version
- Cherries or plums for a deeper, slightly tart taste
- Apples or pears for a cozy fall-inspired cupcake
Just make sure to use freeze-dried fruit powder to keep the consistency of the batter the same.
3. Add a cCaramel or Honey Drizzle
After frosting, drizzle each cupcake with warm caramel or honey bourbon sauce for an indulgent touch. It enhances the peach flavor and adds a glossy bakery-style finish.
4. Boost the Spice Notes
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cupcake batter for a warm, comforting flavor profile that complements the bourbon beautifully.
5. Go for a Filled Version
For an extra surprise, core the center of each cooled cupcake and fill it with peach preserves, bourbon caramel, or whipped cream cheese filling before frosting.
6. Make it Dairy-Free
Substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk (like oat or almond milk) in the batter and frosting. Coconut cream works great as a replacement for heavy cream in the buttercream.
7. Lighten the Frosting
If you prefer a less sweet option, replace half the buttercream with whipped cream cheese frosting. It balances the sweetness while adding a slight tang that pairs perfectly with peaches.
8. Add Texture on Top
Sprinkle crushed pecans, brown sugar crumble, or toasted coconut flakes over the frosted cupcakes for added crunch and visual appeal.
9. Turn Them into Mini cupcakes or Cake
The batter works equally well for mini cupcakes (bake 10–12 minutes) or a one-layer 8-inch cake (bake 25–30 minutes). Just adjust baking times accordingly.
Storage Tips
To keep your Peach Bourbon Cupcakes soft, flavorful, and bakery-fresh for days, proper storage is key.
Whether you plan to enjoy them right away or save a batch for later, here’s how to maintain their texture and taste at every stage.
1. At Room Temperature (1–2 Days)
If you’re planning to eat the cupcakes soon, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place them in an airtight container or a cupcake carrier to prevent them from drying out.
Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight, as heat can cause the buttercream to melt and the flavor to fade.
Tip: If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate them instead to protect the frosting’s consistency.
2. Refrigeration (Up to 4–5 Days)
For longer freshness, store the cupcakes in the refrigerator. Place them in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors or drying out.
Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving to bring back their soft, tender crumb and creamy frosting texture.
Avoid: Leaving the cupcakes uncovered in the fridge — this will cause the sponge to harden and the frosting to form a crust.
3. Freezing (Up to 2–3 Months)
You can freeze Peach Bourbon Cupcakes for future enjoyment, either frosted or unfrosted.
For unfrosted cupcakes, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
For frosted cupcakes, freeze them uncovered on a baking sheet until solid (about 1 hour), then wrap individually and store in an airtight container.
To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or room temperature for 1–2 hours. Frost or refresh with a swirl of buttercream once fully defrosted if needed.
Tip: If the frosting looks slightly soft after thawing, pop the cupcakes in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t store cupcakes near strong-smelling foods (like onions or cheese) as they can absorb unwanted odors.
Avoid reheating cupcakes with frosting in the microwave as it can melt the buttercream. Instead, let them naturally come to room temperature.
Never freeze cupcakes while they’re still warm; condensation will ruin the texture once thawed.
With these simple storage steps, your Peach Bourbon Cupcakes will stay moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, just as delicious as the day they were baked.
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FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes without bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the bourbon with an equal amount of peach nectar, orange juice, or milk. You’ll still get a rich, fruity flavor without altering the texture of the cupcakes or frosting.
Can I use fresh peaches instead of freeze-dried ones?
Freeze-dried peaches provide a concentrated flavor and smooth texture in both the batter and frosting. However, you can use finely chopped fresh peaches (about 1 cup) in the cupcake batter instead — just make sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture. For the frosting, you can use a small amount of peach purée, but add it gradually so the buttercream doesn’t become too soft.
How can I tell when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?
Your cupcakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the cupcakes dry and dense.
How long do Peach Bourbon Cupcakes stay fresh, and how should I store them?
At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they’ll last 4–5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months (frosted or unfrosted). See the Storage Tips section for full details.
What’s the best way to serve these cupcakes?
These cupcakes are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature, allowing the frosting to soften and the peach-bourbon flavor to shine. Garnish with a fresh peach slice or mint leaf just before serving for an elegant presentation. They pair wonderfully with iced tea, Prosecco, or bourbon cocktails for special occasions.
