Why You’ll Love This Biltong & Cheese Cupcake Recipe
If you’re a fan of savory treats and bold flavors, these Biltong & Cheese Cupcakes are bound to win your heart. The marriage of tender, cheesy batter paired with the unique taste of biltong – a traditional South African dried cured meat – creates an unforgettable cupcake experience. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a savory addition to any meal, these cupcakes provide a delightful contrast of flavors. The rich, creamy cream cheese frosting adds the right balance of tanginess, while the crumbled biltong garnish delivers an added savory crunch.
What makes these cupcakes so special is how they fuse familiar ingredients in a new way. Imagine biting into a fluffy, cheesy cupcake, only to be greeted by the savory, umami-rich flavor of biltong with each bite. The tangy cream cheese frosting rounds out the flavor profile, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you are a biltong enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to elevate your baking game, this recipe is perfect for you!
What You’ll Need
Before you embark on your cupcake-making journey, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cupcake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
This serves as the base of your cupcake batter. - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
The baking powder helps your cupcakes rise, making them light and fluffy. - 1 tsp salt
Salt enhances the flavor profile of your cupcakes. - ½ tsp ground black pepper
A touch of pepper complements the biltong and cheese, adding depth to the flavor. - ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
The cheddar brings a sharp, savory flavor to the batter. - ½ cup finely chopped biltong (dried cured meat)
Biltong is a unique dried meat with rich umami flavor that takes the cupcakes to the next level. - 2 large eggs
Eggs are the binding agents and provide structure. - 1 cup buttermilk
Buttermilk contributes to a tender crumb and adds richness. - ¼ cup vegetable oil
For moisture and a soft texture. - 1 tsp mustard powder
Mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor. - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
The Worcestershire sauce brings umami notes that complement the biltong perfectly.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
The cream cheese is the creamy base for your frosting, offering a tangy counterpoint to the savory cupcakes. - ¼ cup butter (softened)
The butter adds richness to the frosting. - 1 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency. - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the frosting ties in the savory notes from the cupcake batter. - A pinch of salt
A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the frosting.
For Garnishing:
- Crumbled biltong pieces
These add extra flavor and a delightful crunch to the cupcakes. - Fresh parsley (optional)
Chopped parsley is optional, but it adds a pop of color and a fresh taste to your cupcakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature, allowing your cupcakes to bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Set this aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce together until well combined.
- Add the cheese and biltong: Fold in the grated cheddar cheese and finely chopped biltong into the wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Prepare the cupcake tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup with butter.
- Fill the cupcake tin: Divide the cupcake batter evenly into the cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Season: Add the Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt to the frosting, then beat again until fully combined.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a spatula or piping bag to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting. Be creative with your frosting technique, whether you want a classic swirl or something a bit more artistic.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with crumbled biltong pieces for added flavor and texture. If you like, garnish with a bit of fresh parsley to brighten up the presentation.
Tips for Success
- Grate your own cheese: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool the cupcakes completely: Make sure the cupcakes have cooled completely before applying the frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
- Chill the frosting: If the frosting is too soft to pipe, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before use. This will help it firm up and be easier to handle.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Biltong: If you love a little heat, use a spicy variety of biltong or add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Variety: Swap the cheddar cheese for a different variety, such as gouda or parmesan, to change the flavor profile.
- Add a bit of garlic: Incorporate some minced garlic into the batter for a savory, aromatic touch.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want to skip the biltong altogether, substitute it with sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a flavorful, savory cupcake.
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
These Biltong & Cheese Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep the frosting on the cupcakes to prevent them from drying out.
Reheating:
If you prefer your cupcakes warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until just warmed through. Be cautious not to dry them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the cupcakes without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. Can I use a different type of dried meat instead of biltong?
While biltong is the star ingredient, you can substitute it with other dried meats, such as jerky or prosciutto. However, the flavor may differ slightly.
3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
4. Is the cream cheese frosting necessary?
While the frosting adds a wonderful tangy contrast to the savory cupcake, it’s optional. You could serve these cupcakes without frosting, or use a different topping like sour cream or a savory herb spread.
The Final Word
These Biltong & Cheese Cupcakes are a unique and delicious twist on the traditional cupcake, offering savory, cheesy goodness with a hint of umami from the biltong. Whether you’re hosting a special event or looking for a savory snack, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests. The combination of textures and flavors is truly one-of-a-kind, and the optional cream cheese frosting adds a perfect creamy finish. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful savory treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!