Foodie Friday: White Russian Cupcakes w/Vodka Buttercream Icing

Credit for these lovely, absolutely fabulously delicious cupcakes goes to Christina Conte at ChristinasCucina.com. The photo belongs to her too since mine were not quite as pretty (but they were delicious)! Of course, these are not cupcakes that are meant for children.

Preparation takes about 15 minutes and the recipe makes 24 cupcakes. What you will need:

List of Ingredients for the CUPCAKES:

• 1 3/4 cups (14 oz) sugar
• 1 cup (8 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature 
• 3 cups (16 oz) flour
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) vodka
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) Kahlua or coffee liqueur
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla powder or 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Ingredients for the ICING:

• 4 oz butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups (about a pound) confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) good quality vodka
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• a little milk to make a smoother consistency, if too stiff