Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Root Beer Float Cupcakes are the perfect treat when you’re craving something fun, nostalgic, and a little different from the usual cupcake recipes.

This two-ingredient recipe is light, moist, and topped with a creamy frosting that tastes just like the foam from your favorite root beer float.

The best part? These cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make, which means you don’t need to be an expert baker to pull off a dessert that feels special.

Whether you’re planning a summer party, a backyard BBQ, a birthday celebration, or just want to surprise the whole family with something new, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

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How to Make Root Beer Float Cupcakes with Cake Mix

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
• In a saucepan, boil root beer and then simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor so the buttercream tastes more like a classic root beer float. Refrigerate until cooled.
• Meanwhile, beat white cake mix with root beer (reserving 2 tablespoons) until light and well combined, then bake the cupcakes according to the recipe directions.
• Once the cupcakes are cooled, prepare the frosting and transfer it to a piping bag.

• Frost each cupcake in a swirl, starting at the edges and working toward the center.
• Finish each cupcake with a maraschino cherry on top for that classic root beer float look and flavor.
• To keep your cupcakes soft and fresh after you bake them, it’s important to store them properly. Follow these simple tips on how to store cupcakes to keep them moist so they stay delicious for days.

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If you love baking with soda, be sure to check out these fun dessert ideas that use fizzy drinks to add flavor, moisture, and a little extra magic to your favorite treats.

• These soda cake combinations are a fun way to experiment in the kitchen by pairing different sodas with cake mixes to create surprisingly delicious flavors.
• If you enjoyed these cupcakes, you’ll also want to try Dr Pepper Cupcakes or Orange Soda Cupcakes, which bring bold soda flavors into soft, fluffy desserts.
• Another classic soda dessert is a 7Up Bundt Cake, where lemon-lime soda adds moisture and a light citrus flavor that makes the cake incredibly tender.
• These treats are also perfect when you’re looking for easy party desserts, since they’re simple to make, fun to serve, and always a hit at gatherings.

Root Beer Float Cupcakes Recipe

Make Root Beer Float Cupcakes with cake mix for a fun, nostalgic dessert. These fluffy cupcakes are easy to bake and perfect for parties or summer treats.

Print Pin Rate

Course: desserts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Root Beer Cupcakes, root beer float cupcakes, root beer float cupcakes with cake mix

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Author: momma lew

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 cup root beer
• 1 box white cake mix

For the frosting:

• 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

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days.