White Russian Cupcakes, Inspired By ‘The Dude’

These Kahlua and vodka cupcakes are inspired by the classic White Russian cocktail — a favorite of mine and, most notably, the Dude. Since the 1998 film, The Big Lebowski, White Russians have become synonymous with bathrobes, rugs that tie the room together and bowling. As a big fan of ‘The Dude’ — and a newly inducted member of a baking and bowling league (YES! That’s a thing) — I thought these White Russian beauties would be a perfect 10!

What you’ll need 

•   2 ¾ cups sifted flour (1 ¼ cups cake flour and 1 ½ cups all purpose flour)

•   3 ½ teaspoons baking powder, just a tad less is good.

•   1/2  teaspoon salt, just a tad less is good.

•   4 egg whites

•   1/2  teaspoon cream of tartar

•   1 ½  cups sugar ( ¾ cup granulated, ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar)

•   3/4 cup butter, softened

•   1/4  cup milk

•   1/4 cup vodka

•   1/2  cup Kahlua

•   1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.  Beat egg whites until foamy with cream of tartar. In a separate bowl, cream butter and add sugar.  Blend egg mixture into this bowl. Combine milk, Kahlua and vodka, set aside. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk mixture, a small amount at a time. Blend in extract. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool.

Now for the Kahlua buttercream frosting!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2-3 cups powdered sugar, by taste/texture

¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon Kahlua, or Kahlua to taste

Mix it up! Frost cupcakes and garnish with cocoa powder. Cheers!