Derby Pie Cupcakes

By Christy

So who all watched the Kentucky Derby yesterday? I had to unfortunately watch from my couch but I was totally jealous of those that got to attend. Sarah lives in Louisville, so we have made a couple trips to Oaks or the Derby over the years. I was sad we weren't able to go this year but sometimes life just gets in the way. But no worries.... I didn't let the day sitting in Nashville go to waste! I watched the ponies on TV, and I made Derby Pie Cupcakes in honor of what is considered by many Kentuckians to be a holiday.

Sarah and I getting ready for Oaks in 2010

Derby pie is a chocolate pecan or walnut pie was created at Melrose Inn in Prospect KY. This pie is traditionally served on Derby day and Melrose Inn has actually trade marked the name. Most recipes are made with Kentucky bourbon to make it even more of a state wide treat and if you ever take a trip to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, make sure you try an original piece of this delicious pie at the Inn.  This is just my fun version of the pie since you know I am a total sucker for anything in cupcake form. It is a chocolate chip and butter pecan cupcake with a chocolate pecan pie filling, topped with a brown sugar cream cheese icing. I wont deny I thought butter pecan cake was quite fantastic and in combination with the filling and icing made these cupcakes over the top amazing. These definitley deserve to be baked more than just once a year for derby! Enjoy!

Cake:

1 box of Butter Pecan Cake by Betty Crocker made according to box

1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips

1/3 cups of finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Pecan Pie Filling:

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1 egg

3 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup chopped nuts

1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 c unsalted butter at room temperature

1 c brown sugar

1 pound powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

Make cake batter according to the box and add the nuts and chocolate chips. Fill cup cake liners a little over 1/2 or 2/3rds.

Preheat oven to 350. To make the filling start by mixing together all liquid ingredients until well blended. Stir in sugar and flour. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour into a small baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring gently half way through baking.

Gently put a scoop of pre-baked pecan pie filling on top of the cupcake batter. (the cake will bake around it). Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes or until a golden crust forms on the edges of the cupcake.

To make icing, whip together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. First slowly add the brown sugar and then add the powdered sugar. Finish by adding the vanilla.

I garnished my cupcakes with pecans, mini chocolate chips and pieces of baked pie crust. Another cute idea may be to sprinkle cocoa on them too.