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Root Beer Float Cupcakes - A Fizzy Twist on a Classic Treat

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Root Beer: 1 cup, room temperature and not flat
  • Root Beer Extract or Concentrate: 1–2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups
  • Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
  • Light Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
  • Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted and cooled
  • Neutral Oil: 2 tablespoons (canola or vegetable)
  • Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
  • Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
  • For the Frosting: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered Sugar: 3–4 cups, sifted
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: 2–4 tablespoons
  • Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: 2 teaspoons
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Optional Toppings: Maraschino cherries, mini paper straws, sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Prep the pans. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mix the wet base. In a large bowl, whisk sugars, melted butter, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and root beer extract until smooth.
  4. Add the root beer. Gently whisk in the root beer. It will foam a bit—this helps with lift.
  5. Combine. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Fill and bake. Divide batter among liners, about 2/3 full. Bake 16–20 minutes, until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely. Let cupcakes cool in the pan 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool fully before frosting.
  8. Make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat in cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fluffy and pipeable.
  9. Frost and decorate. Swirl frosting high like soft-serve. Finish with a cherry and a trimmed mini straw for the full float effect.