Description
These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes capture the magical essence of the beloved wizarding world with a rich butterscotch flavor enhanced by cream soda both in the cupcakes and frosting. Light, fluffy, and decadently topped with a creamy butterscotch frosting and optional decorative pretzels and edible gold glitter, these cupcakes are perfect for themed parties or any fandom celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp butterscotch extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) cream soda (non-alcoholic)
Frosting
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp cream soda (non-alcoholic)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butterscotch extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)
Decorations
- Caramel or butterscotch drizzle
- Edible gold glitter or sprinkles
- Small pretzel sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for cupcake batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat for another 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla and butterscotch extracts until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and a combined mixture of whole milk and cream soda to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting Butter: Beat the softened butter for the frosting in a large bowl for 5-7 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and nearly white in color.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar on low speed until it is fully incorporated.
- Flavor the Frosting: Add cream soda, vanilla extract, butterscotch extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach desired consistency. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously using a piping bag or an offset spatula.
- Decorate: Drizzle caramel or butterscotch sauce over each cupcake, then sprinkle edible gold glitter or sprinkles on top. Optionally, place a small pretzel stick on each cupcake for added decoration.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store cupcakes in an airtight container. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- The cream soda adds a subtle fizz and unique flavor, so use a high-quality non-alcoholic cream soda.
- Adjust the frosting thickness gradually to avoid too runny or too stiff icing.
- Optional pretzel sticks add a salty crunch contrast that complements the sweet butterscotch flavor perfectly.
- Store cupcakes in a cool place if serving within a day, or refrigerate for longer freshness but allow to warm before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Harry Potter, Butterbeer, Cupcakes, Butterscotch, Cream Soda, Magical, Dessert, Party Treat
