Imagine the nostalgic delight of sipping on a classic root beer float on a hot summer day, but in a delicious cupcake form. That’s just what these root beer float cupcakes are.
Moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes are infused with the delicious flavor of root beer and then topped with a creamy swirl of vanilla buttercream frosting reminiscent of the frothy scoop of vanilla ice cream that sits atop of a root beer float.
These fun cupcakes are incredibly simple to make with just two ingredients: a boxed cake mix and root beer! The soda not only adds a rich, nostalgic flavor but also acts as a leavening agent, making the cupcakes light and fluffy.
This quick and easy root beer float cupcake recipe is perfect for a fun dessert that packs a flavorful punch.
How to Make Root Beer Float Cupcakes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and get your cupcake pan ready with paper liners.
Place the 2 cups of root beer for the buttercream in a saucepan and set over high heat.
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium to simmer until the root beer is reduced to approximately 1/2 cup.
Pour your root beer syrup into a mason jar or other covered container and place in the fridge to cool until you are ready to make your frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together with an electric mixer the root beer, reserving 2 tbsp and white cake mix for 2 minutes, until light and completely combined.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the cupcake batter into the prepared cupcake liners.
Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center of cupcakes.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While your cupcakes are cooling, make your creamy frosting.
Place the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat together for 2 minutes until completely combined.
Add 2 Tablespoons of root beer, then taste and adjust with more root beer. This will make the frosting softer and more flavourful.
Scoop the frosting into a piping bag and twist the end to secure.
Snip 1” off the bottom of the piping bag and then frost cupcakes, starting at the edges and moving into the center of the cupcakes.
Add a maraschino cherry on top of each cupcake for the full root beer float experience.
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Root Beer Float Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
- Root Beer Cupcakes
- 1 cup root beer
- 1 box white cake mix
- For the buttercream:
- 2 cups root beer (or use 1 teaspoon root beer extract plus 2-3 Tablespoons milk)
- 1 cup butter
- 3-4 cups powdered icing sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and get your cupcake pan ready with paper liners.
Place the 2 cups of root beer for the buttercream in a saucepan and set over high heat.
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium to simmer until the root beer is reduced to approximately 1/2 cup.
Pour your root beer syrup into a mason jar or other covered container and place in the fridge to cool until you are ready to make your frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together with an electric mixer the root beer, reserving 2 tbsp and white cake mix for 2 minutes, until light and completely combined.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the cupcake batter into the prepared cupcake liners.
Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While your cupcakes are cooling, make your homemade frosting.
Place the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat together for 2 minutes until completely combined.
Add 2 Tablespoons of root beer, then taste and adjust with more root beer. This will make the frosting softer and more flavourful.
Scoop the frosting into a piping bag and twist the end to secure.
Snip 1” off the bottom of the piping bag and then frost cupcakes, starting at the edges and moving into the center of the cupcakes.
Add a maraschino cherry on top of each cupcake for the full root beer float experience.
Notes
Can I use any brand of root beer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any brand of good root beer that you like. However, keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different flavor profiles, which could affect the taste of your cupcakes.
Can I substitute the root beer with a different soda?
You can experiment with a different kind of soda, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cupcakes may be different than when using root beer. Some favorites include Dr. Pepper and Cream Soda.
Can I use a different frosting recipe for these cupcakes?
Absolutely! While the recipe provided is a delicious complement to the root beer flavor, you can use any frosting recipe that you prefer.
How should I store the cupcakes?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to 3 months.