These delightful Pink Champagne Cupcakes bring a splash of fun to any celebration! They’re fluffy, sweet, and topped with a creamy frosting that sparkles like a party.
Who wouldn’t want cupcakes that taste like a fancy toast? I love serving these at birthdays. They taste even better with a smile and a little confetti on top! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for fluffy cupcakes. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. It usually works well for cupcakes!
Pink Champagne: The star for flavor! If you want an alcohol-free option, use sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It provides the same bubbly cheer!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the salt in the recipe. You can substitute with vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
Food Coloring: Pink gel food coloring is great for achieving the right hue. If you prefer a natural option, try beet juice for color, but keep in mind, the shade will vary.
How Do I Ensure My Cupcakes are Light and Fluffy?
The key to light and airy cupcakes is proper mixing and not overmixing the batter. Here’s how to approach it:
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this adds air.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquids, mixing gently. This keeps your cupcakes from becoming dense.
- Finally, don’t forget to let them cool completely before frosting for that perfect finish!
Pink Champagne Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pink champagne (sparkling rosé works well)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional, for a soft pink hue)
For the Pink Champagne Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pink champagne
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Edible pearl decorations or sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cupcake recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 18-22 minutes for baking. Be sure to allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting, which usually takes around 30 minutes. So, overall, set aside about an hour to make these festive treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count muffin tin with cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes pop out easily later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and helps distribute the baking powder evenly. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes, and you’ll want to stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air for fluffiness! Next, mix in the vanilla extract and if you want a bit of color, add the optional pink gel food coloring until it’s all fully combined.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the pink champagne and milk. This is where the sparkle comes from!
6. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to combine! Begin adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the champagne-milk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix!
7. Fill and Bake:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
8. Cool Before Frosting:
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before you add frosting. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
9. Make the Frosting:
While the cupcakes are cooling, you can make the frosting! Begin by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s creamy and smooth.
10. Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. This step helps prevent a sugary cloud!
11. Finish the Frosting:
Once all the sugar is in, add the pink champagne, vanilla extract, and any optional pink gel food coloring. Beat on high speed for about 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. Frost and Decorate:
Now comes the fun part! Pipe or spread the creamy frosting generously onto each cupcake. Finally, add some edible pearl decorations or sprinkles for a festive look.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
These cupcakes are perfect for celebrations or just because! Serve them at your next party and enjoy the sparkle of Pink Champagne Cupcakes!
Can I Use Different Types of Champagne?
Absolutely! While pink champagne or sparkling rosé works wonderfully for flavor and color, any type of sparkling wine or even non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice can be used as a substitute. Just ensure it’s bubbly!
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Cupcakes in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day ahead! Just bake and cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and appearance.
What If I Don’t Have Gel Food Coloring?
No problem! If you don’t have gel food coloring, you can skip it or use liquid food coloring. For a natural option, beet juice can also provide a lovely pink hue, though the shade may vary.