Gulab Jamun Cupcakes

Why Make This Recipe

Gulab Jamun Cupcakes combine the rich flavors of traditional Indian sweets with the fluffy texture of classic cupcakes. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a festival, hosting a party, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. The warm spices and sweetness of the gulab jamuns perfectly complement the soft, buttery cupcake base, creating a dessert that is both unique and delicious. Plus, with a whipped cream topping and a sprinkle of pistachios, they look as good as they taste. Making Gulab Jamun Cupcakes is not only a fun baking experience but also a great way to introduce a beloved Indian dessert to those who may have never tried it before.

How to Make Gulab Jamun Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 115 g Unsalted Butter
• 80 ml Vegetable Oil
• 150 g Granulated Sugar
• 100 g Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 large Eggs
• 200 g Self-Raising Flour
• 100 ml Warm Milk
• 12 pieces Gulab Jamuns
• 300 ml Double Cream
• 50 g Icing Sugar
• 1 tsp Rose Water
• 50 g Chopped Pistachios

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s important to have the oven at the right temperature before you start baking. This helps the cupcakes rise perfectly.

2. Prepare the Cupcake Tray: Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners. This will prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the tray and make for easy removal once they’re baked.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, mix the unsalted butter and vegetable oil together. Then, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to whip these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making the cupcakes light.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg to ensure a smooth batter. Then, add the vanilla extract for flavor.

5. Sift the Flour: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour. If you do not have self-raising flour, you can use plain flour with added baking powder. This ensures there are no lumps in your batter, leading to a smoother cupcake texture.

6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture. Pour in the warm milk bit by bit, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense, so be careful.

7. Prepare the Gulab Jamuns: Cut the gulab jamuns into smaller bite-sized pieces. This allows the flavors to be distributed evenly throughout the cupcakes.

8. Fill Cupcake Liners: Take your batter and fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Then, place a piece of gulab jamun in the center of each cupcake batter. The gulab jamun will add a surprise burst of flavor in each bite.

9. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a skewer in the center of a cupcake. It should come out clean when they are ready.

10. Cool the Cupcakes: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tray for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is important as it prevents the cupcakes from becoming soggy.

11. Whip the Double Cream: While the cupcakes are cooling, take the double cream and whip it until it forms soft peaks. Gradually fold in the icing sugar and rose water for sweetness and flavor.

12. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake generously with the whipped cream mixture.

13. Add Finishing Touches: Finally, sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top of the frosted cupcakes for an added crunch and decorative flair.

14. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Gulab Jamun Cupcakes fresh. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Gather your friends and family to share in this delicious dessert!

How to Serve Gulab Jamun Cupcakes

Gulab Jamun Cupcakes can be served as a delightful dessert at the end of a meal or as a treat during festive gatherings. You can place them on a decorative platter to showcase their beauty. For an added touch, consider serving them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of chai. The flavors of tea pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cupcakes, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, you can offer some extra gulab jamuns on the side for those who want to indulge even more.

How to Store Gulab Jamun Cupcakes

If you have leftovers, you can store your Gulab Jamun Cupcakes easily. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container. Ideally, they should be consumed within 2-3 days. If you live in a warm climate or if your cupcakes have been frosted, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator. This will help prevent them from getting too soft or melting. Before serving cold cupcakes, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for the best texture. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them without the frosting. You can thaw them at room temperature, and then frost them when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Gulab Jamun Cupcakes

• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully for the best results. Using a kitchen scale for the butter and sugars can ensure accuracy.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine better and creates a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your cupcakes as they bake. Start checking at the lower end of the baking time.

• Gulab Jamun Size: If you cut the gulab jamuns too large, they can weigh down the cupcakes. Aim for smaller pieces to allow for more even distribution in the batter.

• Frost When Cool: Always frost the cupcakes only after they have completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting.

• Decorate Creatively: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Besides pistachios, you can use slices of almonds or edible flowers for decoration.

Variation

If you want to try something different, you could experiment with flavors for the cupcakes. Adding cardamom or saffron to the batter can give it an additional touch of traditional Indian flavor. You can also replace the gulab jamuns with other flavors of Indian sweets to create unique cupcakes. For instance, replacing gulab jamuns with pieces of rasgulla or even pieces of milk cake can provide a delightful taste.

Another variation could be to make a vegan version. You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal, use coconut cream for frosting, and ensure other ingredients are suitable for a vegan diet.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, if you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use regular plain flour. Just make sure to add baking powder (around 1-2 teaspoons) to the flour to help the cupcakes rise.

2. How can I make my cupcakes moist?

To keep your cupcakes moist, ensure that you do not overbake them. You can also add a bit more warm milk to the batter, or include yogurt or sour cream, which can help maintain moisture.

3. Can I freeze Gulab Jamun Cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Place them in an airtight container and they can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature and frost them just before serving.

4. What can I use instead of rose water?

If you don’t have rose water, you can use orange blossom water or simply omit it if you’re sensitive to floral flavors. Adding a few drops of almond extract can also enhance the flavor profile.

5. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the baking powder and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

6. How long do these cupcakes keep fresh?

Gulab Jamun Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last in an airtight container for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, they may last a little longer but should be consumed within a week for the best quality.

By following this detailed guide on making Gulab Jamun Cupcakes, you can create a dessert that’s not only enticing but also a delightful experience for anyone who tries them. Happy baking!

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