Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
If you’re a fan of the wizarding world of Harry Potter, you’ll love these Butterbeer Cupcakes! Inspired by the famous drink served at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, these soft and fluffy cupcakes bring the delicious flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, and cream soda to life in a fun and magical dessert. Perfect for a Harry Potter-themed party or a sweet treat to enjoy while binge-watching the movies!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cream soda
- 1/4 cup butterscotch chips (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Butterbeer Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butterscotch syrup
- 2 tablespoons cream soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the cream soda and butterscotch chips (if using) for that signature Butterbeer flavor.
3. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the muffin tin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the Butterbeer frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the butterscotch syrup, cream soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream soda to reach your desired consistency.
5. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with the Butterbeer frosting. For an extra touch of magic, sprinkle some additional butterscotch chips or a drizzle of butterscotch syrup on top.
6. Serve & Enjoy: These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your next magical gathering or as a sweet treat while enjoying your favorite Harry Potter book or movie. They’re sure to be a hit with wizards and Muggles alike!
Tips for the Perfect Butterbeer Cupcakes:
- For a stronger butterscotch flavor, you can add extra butterscotch syrup to both the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Make them ahead: These cupcakes can be baked and frosted the day before your event and stored in an airtight container to stay fresh.
- For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular all-purpose flour.
These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes are a fun, sweet, and magical treat that will transport you straight to the world of Hogwarts. Whether you’re throwing a Harry Potter party or simply indulging in some delicious themed desserts, these cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a little magic into your kitchen.