This Root Beer Float Cupcakes and Frosting is easy because it starts with a boxed mix and gets some outrageous flavor.
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Who doesn't love root beer floats? This cupcake form is an easy recipe and oh-so-decadent.
I love the delicious flavor root beer adds to a recipe, but I didn't really want my kiddos to have sugary soda in their cupcakes - I mean, it's enough they're having cupcakes, right? This recipe includes no soda at all and uses root beer flavoring instead.
And, I used a doctored-up boxed cake mix! GASP!
Ok, so it's no secret that I often bake with boxed mixes. Let's face it, life is busy and I'll take all the shortcuts I can. When it comes right down to it, I'd rather spend extra time with my family, than baking from scratch. But, that doesn't mean we're skimping on taste.
My friends know that I always say you can get away with boxed cake mixes all day long if you make the frosting from scratch - which is a cinch!
If you prefer to make your root beer cupcakes from scratch, use this Easy Vanilla Cupcakes recipe and add the root beer flavoring to it instead of vanilla extract.
I love the cream cheese in this frosting, which softens the sweetness and adds some creaminess to the texture. The root beer flavoring adds both flavor and beautiful caramel color to the cake and buttercream frosting.
🧂 Ingredients
Cake
- French vanilla cake mix plus ingredients called for on the box
- root beer flavoring
Frosting
- butter
- cream cheese
- powdered sugar
- milk
- root beer flavoring
I used a flavoring oil to achieve the root beer flavor. It is similar to an extract, but a bit stronger - in fact 3 to 4 times stronger - so much so that the first attempt ended up with a frosting that was waaaaay to "bicy" (spicy) as my daughter would say! You need only about a quarter of the flavoring oil as you would need using a root beer extract, so it's a really great value. Plus, the oils are gluten-free and Kosher certified.
Equipment
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- Measuring Spoons
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Stand Mixer
- Cupcake Liners and pan
- Cooling Rack
🔪Instructions
This is meant to be a brief overview of the root beer cupcakes and frosting recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.
Cake
- Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake mix. Add in the root beer flavor with the eggs.
- Pour into cupcake papers or greased muffin tins and bake according to the directions on the box.
- Remover the cupcake pan from the oven and transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack.
Frosting
I prefer to make homemade frosting in my electric mixer, however, you can also use a hand held mixture.
- While the cupcakes cool, remove the butter and cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese at medium speed until combined and soft. Add about half the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat on low until combined.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar and again beat slowly. Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you have the desired consistency.
- For piping, I generally like a stiffer frosting. Insert your desired tip into your piping bag and then fill it with the frosting. Be sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
You can get creative when decorating these root beer float cupcakes. I added some root beer barrel candies and fun paper straws (cut in half).
The first time I made these fun cupcakes, the straws thoroughly confused my then 3-year-old who wanted to know why we needed to drink our cupcakes!
😋 Similar Recipes
- Delicious Blueberry Filled Cupcakes
- Easy Vanilla Cupcakes
- Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- No Bake Ice Cream Cupcakes
- Key Lime Cupcakes with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pink Velvet Cupcakes
- Best Carrot Cupcake
- Banana Cupcakes
Variations
- Use a white cake mix instead of French vanilla.
- Instad of icing, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Top your cupcakes with maraschino cherries instead of root beer candies.
Your whole family is going to love this special treat, and you can relax because there are no extra chemicals or added sugar from using soda.
Sometimes, you just need to make small changes, be grateful for the time with your loved ones, and savor some delicious 'semi-homemade' cupcakes!
Not ready to make these flavorful cupcakes yet?
Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Root Beer Float Cupcakes
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Equipment
- Cupcake Pan
- Cupcake liners
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 french vanilla cake mix plus ingredients called for on the box
- 1 teaspoon root beer flavoring
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar divided
- milk as needed
- ¼ teaspoon root beer flavoring
Instructions
Cake
- Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake mix. Add in the root beer flavor with the eggs.1 french vanilla cake mix, 1 teaspoon root beer flavoring
- Pour into cupcake papers or greased muffin tins and bake according to the directions on the box.
Frosting
- While the cupcakes bake, remove the butter and cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften.4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese until combined and soft. Add in about half the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat on low until combined.4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon root beer flavoring, milk
- Add the remaining powdered sugar and again beat slowly. Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you have the desired consistency.4 cups powdered sugar, milk
- For piping, I generally like a stiffer frosting. Insert your desired tip into your piping bag and then fill with the frosting. Be sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting.
For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
Love it! Especially the frosting!!
Krissy Allori {self proclaimed foodie} says
Root beer flavor? How creative! These look awesome.
Hezzi-D says
These look amazing! I love that you topped off each one with a root beer barrel!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
You know, truth is, I love baking with boxed cake mixes! They are such a time saver and so versatile. Love you flavor choice!
Ang Paris says
I'm glad I'm not the only one out there that feels that way about cake mixes! 🙂
Alina says
Love this flavor combo! They came out wonderfully.