Jam-Filled Almond Cupcakes

by Cindi Sutter, Founder of The Spirited Table® - Recipe from bon appetit by Moustache Baked Goods, Healdsburg, CA

Photograph by Alex Lau

PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 2015
 
SERVINGS: MAKES 18
Gluten-free but clearly not vegan, for whoever’s keeping track.

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
3 cups almond flour or meal
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp kosher salt, divided
6 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp vanilla extract, divided
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ tsp almond extract
½ cup fig (or your favorite) jam
Toasted sliced almonds (for serving)

Instructions

1. Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 325°. Lightly coat edges of cups and tops of 3 standard 6-cup muffin pans with nonstick spray and line with paper liners. Sift almond flour through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; discard any large pieces. Whisk in baking powder and ¼ tsp. salt.
2. Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk eggs and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low and whisk in almond-flour mixture and 2 tsp. vanilla until smooth, about 1 minute. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake cupcakes, rotating pans top to bottom halfway through, until a tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, 15–20 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool.
3. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and, with motor running, add powdered sugar in 2 additions, beating until fully incorporated after each, about 2 minutes. Add cream, almond extract, remaining 2 tsp. vanilla, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt and beat until light and creamy, about 1 minute.
4. Using an apple corer, punch out about 1" from the top of each cupcake to form a hole in the center; discard core (kidding—eat it!). Fill hole with a heaping teaspoonful of jam.
5. Spread frosting over cupcakes and top each with a small handful of almonds.

        
Cook's Note - Filled and frosted cupcakes can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Recipe by Moustache Baked Goods, Healdsburg, CA

Created For By Reader Request: Recipes from Bocado, Lulu & Po, and Moustache Baked Goods