Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Celebrate special occasions with these delightful Pink Champagne Cupcakes. Made with real champagne and a touch of pink food coloring, these moist cupcakes are perfectly complemented by a sweet champagne buttercream frosting. Ideal for New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration, these cupcakes bring both elegance and fun to your dessert table.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Champagne Cupcakes
- 1 ¾ cups White Sugar
- 12 tablespoons Butter, softened
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 cup Champagne (Prosecco sparkling wine can be substituted)
- Pink Food Coloring or Icing Gel
Champagne Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 4 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
- ¾ cup Champagne (Prosecco sparkling wine can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1–2 tablespoons Milk (optional, if too thick)
- Pink Food Coloring or Icing Gel
- Sprinkles (such as Wilton’s pink pearls or other decorative sprinkles)
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 24-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender crumb for the cupcakes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and champagne to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Add Color: Stir in pink food coloring or icing gel to achieve your desired shade of pink. Small amounts of red food coloring can create a lighter pink hue.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners about two-thirds full (approximately 3 tablespoons per liner) to give room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 14-17 minutes. Check for doneness by lightly touching the tops; if they spring back, they are ready.
- Simmer Champagne for Frosting: While cupcakes bake, pour ¾ cup champagne into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce by half to concentrate the flavor, then let cool completely before use.
- Make Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, blending thoroughly. Add vanilla extract and the cooled, reduced champagne and mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired consistency. Incorporate pink food coloring or icing gel for a matching pink tint.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the champagne buttercream frosting using your preferred decorating tip, such as Wilton No. 2D, 1M, or 1A for different styles.
- Decorate: Finish cupcakes with sprinkles like pink pearls or themed decorations to enhance the festive presentation for occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.
Notes
- Use any sparkling wine such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava; all work well in this recipe.
- Dry or sweet champagne can be used since the cupcake batter adds sufficient sweetness.
- Adjust pink food coloring to achieve the exact hue preferred.
- To quickly cool reduced champagne, spread it in a shallow dish and refrigerate briefly but ensure it’s cool before adding to frosting.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter both in the cupcakes and frosting.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic version, substitute champagne with champagne-flavored sparkling juice, but reduce liquid accordingly for balance.
Keywords: Pink Champagne Cupcakes, champagne cupcakes, pink cupcakes, champagne buttercream frosting, celebration cupcakes, New Year's cupcakes, Valentine's Day desserts