Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with these Enchanted Butterbeer Cupcakes! These whimsical treats are inspired by the iconic drink served in the wizarding pubs of Hogsmeade. Moist butterscotch-infused cupcakes are topped with a velvety butterscotch buttercream, creating a spellbinding dessert that will transport you straight to the Great Hall.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup butterbeer (or cream soda)
- ¼ teaspoon butterscotch extract (optional, for extra richness)
For the Butterscotch Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle of butterscotch sauce
- Edible glitter or gold dust for a magical touch
- Miniature fondant wands or Harry Potter-themed decorations
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a cupcake tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , and salt . Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract .
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the butterbeer and butterscotch extract until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full .
- Bake for 18–20 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the Butterscotch Buttercream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar , one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once combined, increase the speed and beat until smooth.
- Add the butterscotch sauce and vanilla extract , mixing until fully incorporated.
- If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk , one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes to make the frosting light and fluffy.
5. Decorate the Cupcakes
- Pipe the butterscotch buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (a star tip works beautifully).
- Drizzle a small amount of butterscotch sauce over the frosting for an extra decadent touch.
- For a magical finish, sprinkle edible glitter or dust with gold dust. Add themed decorations like fondant wands or Harry Potter-inspired toppers if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve these enchanting cupcakes at your next themed party, movie night, or as a delightful surprise for any Potterhead in your life.
Tips for Success
- Butterbeer Substitute: If you can’t find butterbeer, cream soda makes an excellent alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with a splash of caramel syrup.
- Homemade Butterscotch Sauce: For an authentic touch, make your own butterscotch sauce by melting ½ cup butter, stirring in 1 cup brown sugar, and adding ½ cup heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Enchanted Butterbeer Cupcakes capture the essence of the wizarding world with their rich butterscotch flavor and whimsical presentation. The moist, tender cupcakes pair perfectly with the creamy, sweet frosting, while the optional garnishes add a touch of magic to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a Harry Potter-themed event or simply indulging in a bit of nostalgia, these cupcakes are sure to delight witches, wizards, and Muggles alike.
Raise your wand (or fork) and savor the magic—one enchanted bite at a time!
