If you’ve ever wished to taste the magic of the wizarding world, these Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes are the perfect treat for you. Inspired by the beloved Butterbeer from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, these cupcakes combine fluffy vanilla goodness with a hint of cream soda and a luscious butterscotch frosting. They’re a delightful way to bring a bit of magic into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
For Garnish:
Butterscotch sauce (for drizzling)
Golden sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Cupcakes:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and butter extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and cream soda, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Butterscotch Frosting:
Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Add Butterscotch Sauce and Extracts: Add the butterscotch sauce, vanilla extract, and butter extract, and beat until combined.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Frost the Cupcakes:
Frost: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the butterscotch frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
Garnish: Drizzle the frosted cupcakes with additional butterscotch sauce and sprinkle with golden sprinkles, if desired.
Serving Tips:
Room Temperature: Serve the cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If they have been refrigerated, allow them to sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Presentation: Enhance the magical experience by garnishing the cupcakes with additional butterscotch sauce and golden sprinkles just before serving. A dusting of edible glitter can also add a whimsical touch.
Pairings: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of cream soda, bringing a bit of Butterbeer magic to your snack time.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and the frosting intact.
In the Refrigerator: If you need to store them longer, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature to enjoy their best flavor.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. Frosting may need a quick touch-up after thawing.
Related Recipes:
- Butterbeer Cupcakes
- Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies
- Butterscotch Cheesecake with Butterscotch Sauce
FAQs:
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these Butterbeer Cupcakes ahead of time. They can be baked and frosted a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them properly: keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them if you need to store them for a longer period.
Can I use homemade butterscotch sauce for the frosting?
Absolutely! Homemade butterscotch sauce can add a personal touch and richer flavor to the frosting. Just ensure that the sauce is cooled before incorporating it into the frosting to avoid melting the butter and affecting the texture.
Can I substitute cream soda in the cupcake recipe?
If you don’t have cream soda, you can substitute it with another type of soda, like lemon-lime soda, to achieve a similar flavor profile. However, using cream soda will give you the most authentic Butterbeer taste. You can also use a combination of vanilla extract and a small amount of water or milk as an alternative.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the butterscotch frosting?
If you find the butterscotch frosting too sweet, you can adjust it by adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, you can use less butterscotch sauce or reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Start by adding less sugar and tasting as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Conclusion:
These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes bring a touch of magic to any occasion with their fluffy vanilla base and rich butterscotch frosting. Perfect for fans of the wizarding world or anyone with a sweet tooth, they are sure to delight and enchant. Enjoy these spellbinding treats at your next gathering!
📖 Recipe:
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Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the magic of the wizarding world with these enchanting Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes. Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a hint of cream soda are topped with a rich butterscotch frosting, reminiscent of the beloved Butterbeer from the Harry Potter series. Perfect for any fan or special occasion, these cupcakes offer a delightful taste of magic with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
For Garnish:
Butterscotch sauce (for drizzling)
Golden sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and butter extracts.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and cream soda, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add butterscotch sauce, vanilla, and butter extracts, then beat until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add heavy cream until frosting reaches desired consistency.
- Frost and Garnish: Frost cooled cupcakes with butterscotch frosting. Drizzle with additional butterscotch sauce and sprinkle with golden sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
For a richer frosting, use homemade butterscotch sauce.
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of butterscotch sauce or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
- Calories: 300 kcal per cupcake
