Deserts

Champagne Cupcakes with Buttercream

Name: Champagne Cupcakes with Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup champagne; ¼ cup whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3 cups 3–4 powdered sugar; ¼ cup champagne; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Servings: 12 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Champagne Cupcakes with Buttercream are the ultimate celebration dessert. Light, fluffy, and infused with sparkling champagne, these cupcakes bring elegance and festivity to any occasion. Topped with a creamy, velvety buttercream frosting, they balance sophistication with sweetness, making them perfect for weddings, anniversaries, New Year’s Eve parties, bridal showers, or any special gathering.

The champagne adds a subtle fruity, bubbly flavor to the cupcakes, while the buttercream provides that indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Every bite feels like a little toast to happiness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes something as simple as a cupcake and elevates it into a dessert that feels luxurious and celebratory. The champagne adds a subtle sparkle and lightness to the cake, while the buttercream frosting brings that rich, creamy sweetness we all crave. Every bite feels like a little party in itself!

What makes it even more special is how versatile it is—you can serve these cupcakes at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or even a cozy New Year’s Eve gathering, and they always fit the occasion. They’re beautiful, fun to decorate, and deliciously unique compared to regular cupcakes. It’s a recipe that turns any moment into a reason to celebrate.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it combines elegance, flavor, and fun all in one bite. Unlike ordinary cupcakes, these beauties have a light, airy texture infused with champagne, giving them a subtle sophistication. The buttercream topping adds the perfect creamy balance, making them irresistibly indulgent.

They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning—you can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fresh fruit to match the occasion. Perfect for holidays, bridal showers, birthdays, or any celebration, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress your guests and make the moment unforgettable.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 18–20 minutes
Frosting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Servings & Calories

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: ~310 kcal per cupcake (including buttercream)

Cuisine, Cooking Method & Course

Cuisine: American, Celebration
Cooking Method: Baking
Course: Dessert, Party Treat

Ingredients

For the Champagne Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup champagne (or sparkling wine, room temperature)
¼ cup whole milk

For the Champagne Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3–4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
¼ cup champagne (reduced for stronger flavor, cooled)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Direction (Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation)

For the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the champagne + milk mixture into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners (about ¾ full).
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Champagne Buttercream:

In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Add champagne, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Adjust consistency: add more sugar for thicker frosting, more champagne for softer frosting.

Frosting & Decoration:

Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes using a star tip.
Garnish with gold sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries for a festive touch.

How to Serve

Serve these cupcakes at celebrations or special dinners. They pair beautifully with a glass of champagne, sparkling rosé, or even a fruity mocktail for a non-alcoholic option.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Use rosé champagne for a slightly fruity twist.
Add a champagne reduction to intensify the flavor in both batter and frosting.
For a festive look, top with edible pearls or gold leaf.
Make mini cupcakes for bite-sized party treats.
Non-alcoholic option: replace champagne with sparkling cider.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Buttercream can also be frozen separately for 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

Electric mixer or stand mixer
Cupcake pan & liners
Piping bag with star tip (for elegant frosting swirls)

Conclusion

Champagne Cupcakes with Buttercream are the perfect way to make any celebration sparkle. Light, fluffy, and delightfully indulgent, they bring together the festive fizz of champagne with the rich creaminess of buttercream. Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, a birthday, or a wedding, these cupcakes will steal the show.

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