Gingerbread Cupcakes with meringue and almond icing

Name: Gingerbread Cupcakes with meringue and almond icing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Germania
Ingredients: 60 grams of butter, Soft; 100 grams of Flour; 60 g of sugar; 1 units of egg; 4 grams of yeast; ¼ tsp cloves; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground ginger; 1 units of egg whites; 60 g of sugar; 60 grams of butter, At room temperature; A pinch of salt; 3 tablespoons of chopped almonds

Desserts ⏱ 30 min 🍳 12 min 👤 6 pers. ★★★★☆ Hard

Desserts

Gingerbread Cupcakes with meringue and almond icing

⏱ 30 min🍳 12 min👤 6 pp★★★★☆

For the first time I have made the legendary cupcake! I decided to try a recipe - new to me – which reminds me of my study period in Germany. There, during the winter months, you can smell the aroma of spiced breads issuing forth from the bakeries and stalls of the Christmas markets, and wine scented with cloves and cinnamon. And so yesterday my house smelt of spices and vanilla, making my mouth water! Freshly baked cupcakes were covered by a soft and creamy icing and sprinkled with chopped almonds. Nothing goes better with these little cupcakes than a hot berry fruit tea! Are you ready to bring these tasty treats to your afternoon tea, or to enjoy with friends after a nice dinner? They are perfect during the winter months, and especially at season. Let's start the party!

Ingredients

butter 60 grams Soft
Flour 100 grams
sugar 60 g
egg 1 units
yeast 4 grams
cloves ¼ tsp cloves
cinnamon ¼ tsp cinnamon
nutmeg ¼ tsp nutmeg
ginger ¼ tsp ground ginger
egg whites 1 units
sugar 60 g
butter 60 grams At room temperature
salt A pinch of salt
almonds 3 tablespoons of chopped almonds

Protein

Carbohydrates

38g

Fat

18g

Fiber

* approximate values per serving

Information

30 minutes Preparation time

12 minutes Cooking time

Serves 6 persons

★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Beat the butter and sugar into a cream; add the egg and beat in well. Mix the flour with the baking powder and spices and fold into the beaten mixture, mixing well. Then transfer a tablespoon of the mixture into each paper baking cup which have been placed in the moulds of a muffin tin. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by combining the egg whites, sugar and salt in a metal bowl. Place the bowl over a pan with gently simmering water and constantly stir with a whisk until all the sugar has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the mixture with a whisk, gradually increasing the speed, until it forms firm ridges on the surface. Continue beating until the mixture is glossy and the outer surface of the bowl is completely cool, about 6-10 minutes. Continue beating with the whisk while gradually adding the diced butter and vanilla essence until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Take a pastry bag with a small nozzle (0.5 cm) in a star shape, and decorate with the icing and chopped almonds.

Tips

The best accompaniment for your gingerbread cupcakes with meringue and almond icing, especially during Christmas, is a lovely mulled wine.

Trivia

The recipe for gingerbread cupcakes is clearly of Anglo-Saxon origin and is so named due to the fact that these cakes used to be made using ingredients measured by the cup.

Step by step

The ingredients

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Beat to a cream the butter and sugar, then whisk in the egg and mix well

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Mix the flour with the baking powder and the spices and fold in to the beaten mixture

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Transfer a scant tablespoon of the mixture into each paper cup which have been placed in the moulds of a muffin tin

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Bake for about 12-15 minutes, remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely

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The cupcakes are ready

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Make the icing by combining the egg whites, sugar and salt in a metal bowl. Place the bowl over a pan with gently simmering water and constantly stir with a whisk until all the sugar has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch.

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Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the mixture with a whisk, gradually increasing the speed. The mixture should be glossy and the outer surface of the bowl is completely cool.

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Continue beating with the whisk while gradually adding the diced butter and vanilla essence until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

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Gingerbread cupcakes with meringue icing

Put the icing in a pastry bag with a small nozzle (0.5 cm) in a star shape, and decorate the cupcakes. You can add chopped almonds, cherries and coloured sugar if you wish.

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Additional information

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Meringue Frosting and Almonds and Chocolate Chips

A delicious variation of Gingerbread Cupcakes is the one with the addition of chocolate chips. This extra touch not only enriches the flavor but also gives a pleasant texture to the bite. To make them, simply incorporate a handful of dark chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the cupcake liners. The contrast between the sweetness of the spiced cupcake and the dark chocolate creates an irresistible combination. These cupcakes can be decorated with the same meringue frosting and almonds, making them perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to a simple snack. Additionally, children will surely appreciate this more indulgent version!

German-style Gingerbread Cupcakes with Traditional Spices

For those who desire an authentic touch, Gingerbread Cupcakes can be prepared following the German tradition. These cupcakes are made using a blend of typical gingerbread spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger, adhering to the original recipe. The difference lies in the choice of spices and their proportions, which can vary according to personal preferences. This way, the cupcakes will take on a characteristic aroma and a more intense flavor. Furthermore, one can opt for a cream cheese frosting for a flavor contrast reminiscent of traditional holiday sweets in Germany.

Light Gingerbread Cupcakes without Butter and Refined Sugar

For those looking for a lighter version of Gingerbread Cupcakes, it is possible to prepare a light recipe without butter and refined sugar. By replacing the butter with applesauce and the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, you get a healthier yet equally tasty dessert. It is important to maintain the balance of spices so as not to compromise the characteristic flavor of the cupcake. Additionally, whole wheat flour can be used to increase the fiber content. This version is perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without sacrificing health, while still enjoying the pleasure of a delicious dessert.

Benefits of Gingerbread Cupcakes: Spices and Calories

Gingerbread Cupcakes are not only delicious but also rich in benefits thanks to the spices used. Cinnamon, for example, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger is a great ally for digestion. Cloves, in addition to providing a unique flavor, also have analgesic and antioxidant properties. Each cupcake has an approximate caloric content of 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and their size. It is always advisable to enjoy them in moderation to fully appreciate their benefits and flavor.

Can Gingerbread Cupcakes be Frozen?

Yes, Gingerbread Cupcakes can be frozen without any problems. To do this, it is advisable to freeze the cupcakes before adding the frosting. Once completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a suitable container for freezing. This way, they will stay fresh and moist. When you wish to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature and then decorate them with the meringue frosting and almonds. This practice is ideal for preparing desserts in advance and always having a treat ready for special occasions.