Looking for a delightful dessert to ring in the New Year? These Champagne Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream are the perfect treat for any celebration. Infused with champagne both in the batter and frosting, these cupcakes offer a touch of elegance and a hint of bubbly flavor.
Using a clever shortcut with boxed cake mix, these cupcakes are a breeze to whip up, making them ideal even for novice bakers. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or looking for a sweet indulgence for Valentine’s Day, these soft, moist, and fluffy pink champagne cupcakes are sure to impress your guests.
Join me in creating these Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Pink Champagne Buttercream Frosting for a festive touch to your special occasions. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with these easy-to-make, yet sophisticated treats that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
Creating champagne cupcakes and a delightful champagne buttercream involves a few key ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this delicious recipe.
Champagne Cupcakes
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- ½ cup Champagne or prosecco (dry recommended)
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon Champagne or prosecco
- 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
Equipment Needed
To prepare these delightful champagne cupcakes with champagne buttercream, you will need the following equipment:
- Cupcake pans (two 12-cup pans)
- Cupcake liners (24 liners)
- Mixer (handheld electric mixer or stand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula for mixing
- Spoon for batter
- Piping bag and tips for frosting (optional)
- Oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Gold sprinkles or sugar for decoration
- Cooling rack
Having these tools ready will make the cupcake baking process smooth and enjoyable. Now that we have the equipment set, let’s move on to the next steps in the recipe.
Preparing the Champagne
Champagne plays a crucial role in infusing these cupcakes with a delightful sophistication.
Reducing Champagne for Intense Flavor
To intensify the champagne flavor, begin by reducing 3/4 cup (180ml) of champagne or your favorite sparkling wine on the stovetop. This reduction process concentrates the flavor, ensuring a robust champagne taste in every bite of the cupcakes.
Cupcake Preparation
To kickstart the cupcake preparation, we need to ensure that the ingredients are skillfully mixed to achieve those light and fluffy cupcakes that we all crave. Let’s dive into the process step by step.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
First off, grab a large mixing bowl where the magic will happen. Into the bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smooth and lump-free batter, leading to perfectly baked cupcakes.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, it’s time to blend the wet ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of our champagne-infused cupcakes. Crack open those room temperature eggs and whisk them lightly. Add in the vegetable oil, softened unsalted butter, and the aromatic vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the pink champagne, stirring gently to combine all the elements beautifully.
Merging Mixtures and Baking
Now comes the exciting part – bringing the dry and wet mixtures together to create the perfect cupcake batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes, and we want them light and airy. Once the batter is perfectly combined, carefully spoon it into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full.
Pop the filled cupcake pans into the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let them work their magic for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they are ready. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before moving on to the delightful frosting step.
Buttercream Preparation
Creating a luscious champagne buttercream is the crowning glory of these champagne cupcakes. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve that perfect, flavorful frosting.
Mixing Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, I start by combining softened salted butter and powdered sugar. The softened butter ensures smooth blending, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness and lightness to the buttercream. Creaming these two ingredients together sets the foundation for a fluffy and decadent buttercream.
Incorporating Champagne Reduction
To intensify the champagne flavor in the buttercream, I create a champagne reduction. Using the same champagne that was incorporated into the cupcakes earlier, I cook it down with granulated sugar to form a sweet syrup. This reduction not only adds a sophisticated twist but also provides a hint of bubbly richness to the buttercream. Incorporating this reduction into the buttercream elevates the overall flavor profile, making it perfect for festive occasions.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Now that the cupcakes are baked and ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches with the champagne buttercream frosting and elegant garnishes.
Frosting Techniques
To achieve the perfect champagne buttercream frosting, start by combining softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of champagne in a mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until light, fluffy, and pipeable. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with an open star tip for a decorative finish on top of each cupcake.
Adding Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, consider garnishing your champagne cupcakes with candied orange peel, gold sprinkles, or a combination of both. These embellishments not only enhance the visual appeal of the cupcakes but also add extra flavor and texture. Simply sprinkle the garnishes on top of the champagne buttercream frosting for a dazzling finish that will impress your guests.
Storage Tips
Storing Frosted and Unfrosted Cupcakes
Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If storing longer, freeze them by placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Frosted cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in a covered container to prevent them from absorbing odors. For longer storage, freeze the frosted cupcakes individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy freshly baked champagne cupcakes anytime without compromising their taste and texture.
Conclusion
Creating Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Pink Champagne Buttercream Frosting is a delightful way to elevate any special occasion. The infusion of champagne in both the cupcakes and frosting adds a touch of sophistication and a hint of bubbly flavor. By skillfully mixing key ingredients and following the recipe steps, you can achieve a light and fluffy texture that will impress your guests. Remember to cool the cupcakes before frosting and consider garnishing them with candied orange peel or gold sprinkles for an extra touch of elegance. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy these decadent treats even after the celebration is over. Cheers to indulging in these champagne-infused delights that are sure to make any event memorable!