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These Butterbeer Cupcakes bring a touch of magic with their soft, fluffy texture and a bubbly hint from cream soda. They’re warm and cozy treats that taste like a little Hogwarts fun in every bite.
Once I whipped these up for a movie night with pals and they quickly turned into the talk of the night, sparking chats about wizard stuff.
What You’ll Need
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: adds a mild chocolate note that blends nicely with butterscotch flavors
- Granulated sugar: keeps the sweetness balanced without going overboard
- Salt: brightens all the other flavors to make them pop
- Baking soda and baking powder: help the cupcakes rise nice and fluffy
- Buttermilk: gives a slight tang and works with leaveners to make them light
- Cream soda: the secret fizz that lifts the batter and brings that classic butterbeer vibe, so pick a good brand
- Vanilla extract: adds cozy, sweet notes to enhance the flavor
- Large eggs: hold everything together and add moisture
- Unsalted butter: softened for creamy richness that mixes in smoothly
- All-purpose flour: gives the cupcakes their shape, sift it well to keep them light
Step-By-Step How-To
- Heat the Oven:
- Set the oven at 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl until everything’s blended.
- Blend in Wet Ingredients:
- Add softened butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the dry stuff and beat until smooth with no lumps.
- Fold in Cream Soda:
- Carefully mix in cream soda so you don’t lose the bubbles that make cupcakes airy.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners:
- Put the batter into liners, filling each about two-thirds full so they have space to rise without spilling.
- Bake Until Done:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean, showing they’re ready.
- Let Cool:
- Leave cupcakes on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting so the icing stays just right.
One neat trick is using browned butter in place of regular butter for a richer taste. This cupcake always reminds me of fun moments with wizard pals making each bite feel like a tiny charm.
How to Keep Them Fresh
Store cupcakes in an airtight box at room temp for up to two days so they stay soft. Freeze them without frosting if you want to keep them longer. When you’re ready, thaw fully before icing. Don’t put cupcakes in the fridge because it dries them out. Instead, cool frosting separately and spread it right before eating.
Switch Up Ingredients
For a nuttier touch, swap half the flour with almond flour. Use brown instead of white sugar to bring out caramel hints that match the butterscotch well. If you want vegan treats, replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut milk mixed with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Best Things to Go With It
Pair these with a chilled cream soda or a latte inspired by butterbeer for the full vibe. Vanilla bean ice cream goes great with the spices and chocolate hints. A warm cup of chai tea also works to match the sweetness but adds a nice spicy kick.
These cupcakes bring a bit of magic to share whether you’re celebrating Harry Potter or just want a treat to brighten your day.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What gives the cupcakes their butterbeer flavor?
You get the classic butterbeer taste by mixing cream soda and vanilla extract into the batter, which adds a mild fizzy sweetness just like the drink.
- → Can I substitute cream soda with another ingredient?
If you don’t have cream soda, ginger ale or a light lemon-lime soda can work to keep the bubbles, though cream soda gives the best flavor.
- → How do I ensure the cupcakes are moist and tender?
Keeping buttermilk and soft unsalted butter in the mix helps the cupcakes stay soft and moist.
- → Is it necessary to let the cupcakes cool before frosting?
Definitely, cooling them fully stops the frosting from melting and keeps the cupcakes looking and tasting great.
- → What baking tips improve the cupcake texture?
Mix gently until everything’s just combined so you don’t overwork the flour. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean for super fluffy cupcakes.