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Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes – A Magical Dessert for Every Wizard & Muggle

Step into the wizarding world with these enchanting Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes — soft, fluffy, butterscotch-infused cupcakes topped with dreamy butterbeer frosting. Perfect for Halloween parties, birthday celebrations, movie marathons, or whenever you crave a little bit of Hogsmeade magic in your muggle kitchen! Inspired by the iconic drink from the Harry Potter universe, these cupcakes combine butterscotch, brown sugar, vanilla bean, and rich buttery notes to create a spellbinding dessert experience. And the best part? They’re made completely without alcohol, using a rich butterscotch soda alternative to keep things family-friendly and Hogwarts-approved. So grab your wand (or whisk), and let’s make cupcakes that would make even Dumbledore skip dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
bake & Cool & Frost time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you need to make magical butterbeer cupcakes and their creamy frosting — all with no alcohol and no pork-based products.
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sweeteners
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
Flavor & Extracts
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons butter extract
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or more vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs
Dairy
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 2 cups unsalted butter room temperature
For the Frosting
  • 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips melted and cooled
  • Butterscotch Soda Non-Alcoholic Alternative
  • 3 cups butterscotch cream soda or vanilla cream soda
  • Tip: Use natural soda with no alcohol content — many butterscotch sodas are completely kid-safe and widely available in stores.

Equipment

  • To create the perfect Butterbeer Cupcakes, here’s what you’ll need:
  • Muffin tin (12-count)
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan (for melting chips)
  • Piping bag and tip (for frosting)
  • Optional:
  • Ice cream scoop (for even batter distribution)
  • Fine mesh sieve (for sifting flour)

Method
 

  1. Ready to bake some wizard-worthy cupcakes? Here’s the magical step-by-step process:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, sift together:
  2. Flour
  3. Baking powder
  4. Baking soda
  5. Salt
  6. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
  2. 1/2 cup softened butter
  3. Brown sugar
  4. White sugar
  5. Beat until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor
  1. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  2. Mix in the vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, butter extract, and honey.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
  1. Add the flour mixture in two additions, alternating with buttermilk and 1/2 cup butterscotch soda.
  2. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners (about 3/4 full).
  2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  4. Make the Butterbeer Frosting
Step 7: Melt the Butterscotch
  1. In a saucepan or microwave, melt butterscotch chips slowly.
  2. Let cool slightly, but keep pourable.
Step 8: Cream the Butter
  1. In a bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Add Sugar & Cream
  1. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  2. Mix in heavy cream, vanilla, and 1/4 cup butterscotch soda.
  3. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 10: Add Melted Butterscotch
  1. Slowly pour in the cooled butterscotch.
  2. Whip until fully combined and silky smooth.
  3. Optional: Chill for 15 minutes if frosting is too soft for piping.
Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes
  1. Pipe or spread frosting on each cooled cupcake.
  2. Optional: Drizzle with extra melted butterscotch or sprinkle with edible glitter or stars.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
These magical cupcakes keep beautifully and can be made ahead.
Room Temperature:
Store in a covered container for up to 2 days (if unfrosted).
Refrigerator:
Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Let come to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight, frost fresh, and serve!
🥄 Variations
Feel like customizing your cupcakes? Try these spellbinding variations:
Butterbeer Filling: Core each cupcake and add butterscotch pudding or caramel inside.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter, oat milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and dairy-free chips.
Mini Cupcakes: Make 24 mini cupcakes and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Add a Crunch: Top with crushed golden cookies or toffee bits.
Colorful Magic: Add gold sprinkles or edible shimmer for a festive finish.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is butterscotch soda the same as butterbeer?
Not exactly, but it mimics the flavor beautifully without alcohol.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade frosting with melted butterscotch is what gives this its magic.
What makes it "Butterbeer" flavored?
The combo of butterscotch, butter extract, vanilla, and brown sugar recreates the iconic taste.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Just add 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
Are these overly sweet?
Not at all. The cupcake is subtly sweet, and the frosting can be adjusted to taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope! These cupcakes are naturally golden from the brown sugar and butterscotch.
Can I make these egg-free?
Yes — replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, though texture may vary slightly.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! No alcohol, no harsh ingredients — perfect for wizards of all ages.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Perfect for parties — just bake in batches or use two pans.
🏁 Conclusion
Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, everyone will agree — these Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes are a magical experience. Soft, buttery, and filled with butterscotch flavor, they’ll transport you straight to Hogsmeade with each bite.
They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for birthdays, Halloween, or any moment you want to bring the magic of Hogwarts into your home.
So tie your apron like a house robe, grab your wand (spatula), and get baking — because these cupcakes are nothing short of spellbinding.