cupcakes and beer?

Cupcakes and beer. Two things that don't seem like they should ever go together -- until now. I found the most amazing looking cupcakes on Pinterest that I am dying to make using Corona and Blue Moon beer. 

I found this recipe from a blog called Erica's Sweet Tooth. This creation along with her many yummy sweets and treats might just be my new favorite food blog. Below I included the recipe for the beer cupcakes, or what I'd like to call "man cupcakes" -- perfect for when entertaining for sporting event like football (Go Giants! Is it football season yet??) or any entertaining event or party where you want to impress!

Blue Moon and Corona Cupcakes

For the beer cupcakes: 

3/4 cups butter, at room temperature

1-3/4 cup sugar

2-1/2 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp orange or lime zest

1 cup Blue Moon or Corona beer, plus more for brushing on tops

1/4 cup milk

Orange/lime wedges and sanding sugar for garnish

- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners.

- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

- Add eggs, beating after each addition then add the vanilla and zest.

- Combine milk and beer and alternatively add this mixture and the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture with the mixer on low speed, starting and ending with the flour.  

- Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean.

- When cupcakes are done, poke holes in the tops of the cupcakes with toothpicks and brush some beer on each while still warm.  

For the citrus cream cheese frosting:

12 oz cream cheese, cold

6 tbsp butter, at room temperature

1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange/lime juice

1 tsp orange/lime zest

4 cups powdered sugar

- Cream together the cream cheese and butter in an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.  

- Add the citrus juice and zest and gradually add the powdered sugar until well-combined.  Beat until smooth for about 2 minutes.

- Load frosting in a piping bag fit with a large star tip and pipe cupcake tops once cooled.  

Recipe yields 24 cupcakes.  

How amazing is this cupcake presentation complete with lime and orange wedges, and bottle caps to add playfulness! I can't wait to try out this recipe -- would you all eat beer cupcakes? What other beers do you think could be made into a yummy cupcake version?

-Pretty Little Things