Butterbeer Cupcakes

These magical Butterbeer Cupcakes are inspired by the beloved drink from the wizarding world. With a rich butterscotch flavor and creamy frosting, they’re a dreamy dessert for any Harry Potter fan or anyone with a sweet tooth. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a swirl of golden frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for parties, themed events, or a cozy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butterbeer cupcakes offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. The sweet, buttery cake base pairs beautifully with a rich, caramel-like frosting that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a themed gathering or simply baking for fun, these cupcakes are sure to impress guests of all ages. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and visually stunning with their golden swirls and powdered sugar dusting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Butterscotch syrup

• Whole milk

For the frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Butterscotch syrup

• Heavy cream or milk

• A pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

• Edible glitter or gold dust

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and butterscotch syrup.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.

6. Mix until just combined.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

9. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add butterscotch syrup and a splash of cream until desired consistency is reached.

10. Frost the cooled cupcakes and dust with powdered sugar or edible glitter if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 standard-sized cupcakes.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Twist: Add a drizzle of salted caramel on top for a sweet and salty finish.

• Boozy Version: Add a splash of butterscotch schnapps to the batter or frosting for an adult version.

• Filled Cupcakes: Core the center of each cupcake and fill it with butterscotch pudding for an extra surprise.

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in mini butterscotch or white chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

• Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter touch, swap the buttercream for whipped cream flavored with butterscotch extract.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Frosting may need a light re-whip after thawing.

FAQs

What is butterbeer flavor?

Butterbeer has a sweet, creamy flavor reminiscent of butterscotch and vanilla, sometimes with a hint of cream soda.

Can I use store-bought butterscotch syrup?

Yes, store-bought butterscotch syrup works perfectly for both the batter and the frosting.

Do these cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, but refrigeration is best for longer storage.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them before serving.

Can I use a cake mix as a base?

Yes, you can use a vanilla or butter cake mix and add butterscotch syrup for a quicker version.

Is there an egg-free version?

You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a commercial egg replacer to make them egg-free.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.

How can I make the frosting more fluffy?

Use heavy cream instead of milk and beat the frosting longer for a fluffier texture.

What’s the best way to frost these cupcakes?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for a swirled, bakery-style finish.

Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Yes, add a touch of yellow or gold food coloring to enhance the magical appearance.

Conclusion

Butterbeer cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings a bit of magic into any kitchen. With their rich butterscotch flavor and creamy frosting, they are sure to become a favorite for parties, holidays, or cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast or simply love delicious desserts, these cupcakes are a must-try.

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 18 mins
• Total Time: 33 mins
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These magical Butterbeer Cupcakes are inspired by your favorite wizarding world drink. Sweet, buttery, and topped with a creamy butterscotch frosting — they’re a true spellbinding treat!

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Ingredients

• 1 box butterscotch or vanilla cake mix

• 1/2 cup cream soda

• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

• 1 stick butter (softened)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup butterscotch sauce

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Prepare cake mix using cream soda instead of water.

• Fold in butterscotch chips.

• Bake cupcakes as directed, cool completely.

• Beat butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and butterscotch sauce.

• Frost cupcakes and drizzle with extra sauce or sprinkles.

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Notes

Use gel food coloring for a fun golden swirl.