Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes (Taste Just Like Hogsmeade!)

If you’ve ever wandered through Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World and taken that first magical sip of Butterbeer, you already know — it’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. Sweet, creamy, buttery, and rich with warm butterscotch flavor, Butterbeer has become one of the most iconic treats in the Harry Potter universe. These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes capture that exact nostalgic flavor in cupcake form, complete with a fluffy butterscotch-infused cake and a luscious Butterbeer frosting that tastes uncannily like the real thing.

These cupcakes are soft, tender, and packed with that unmistakable caramel-butter flavor that fans crave. They’re perfect for Harry Potter movie marathons, themed birthday parties, book club nights, Halloween gatherings, or anytime you want to bring a little wizarding magic into your kitchen. Best of all, you don’t need any special equipment or rare ingredients — everything here can be found at a regular grocery store.

What truly sets these Butterbeer cupcakes apart is the careful layering of flavor. Cream soda adds authenticity, brown sugar deepens the sweetness, and butterscotch chips melt right into the batter for that signature richness. The frosting is light yet decadent, whipped with real butterscotch sauce for a silky, pub-style finish worthy of the Three Broomsticks.

Once you make these, you’ll understand why they’re one of the most beloved Harry Potter desserts online — they genuinely taste like Butterbeer straight from Hogsmeade.


Why You’ll Love These Butterbeer Cupcakes

  • They taste incredibly close to authentic Butterbeer
  • Soft, moist cupcakes with rich butterscotch flavor
  • Light, creamy frosting that isn’t overly sweet
  • Perfect for themed parties and special occasions
  • Easy enough for beginner bakers

Ingredients

Butterbeer Cupcakes

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup cream soda (flat, not fizzy)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup butterscotch chips

Butterbeer Frosting

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup butterscotch sauce (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the cream soda and milk.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and liquid mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Fold in the butterscotch chips gently.
  8. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  9. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

  1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  3. Add butterscotch sauce and vanilla extract.
  4. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. Frost cooled cupcakes and drizzle with extra butterscotch sauce.

Tips for Authentic Butterbeer Flavor

  • Let the cream soda go flat before using
  • Use real butterscotch sauce, not caramel
  • Brown sugar is essential — don’t substitute it
  • Don’t overmix the batter

Variations

  • Filled Cupcakes: Core and fill with butterscotch pudding
  • Alcohol-Inspired Version: Add butter-rum extract (no alcohol)
  • Mini Cupcakes: Bake for 10–12 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm mugs of homemade Butterbeer, vanilla ice cream floats, or a Harry Potter movie marathon for the ultimate wizarding night.


Butterbeer & Wizarding World Fun Fact

Butterbeer originates from medieval British recipes, which included heated ale with butter and spices — a detail J.K. Rowling cleverly adapted into the magical universe.


Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes

Fluffy butterscotch-infused cupcakes topped with creamy Butterbeer frosting that taste just like Hogsmeade.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup cream soda flat
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup butterscotch chips
Frosting
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup butterscotch sauce
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquids, mixing gently.
  5. Fold in butterscotch chips and divide batter into liners.
  6. Bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
  7. Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy and frost cupcakes.

Notes

Use real butterscotch sauce for best flavor.

Storage

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.