Description
Delight in these elegant Champagne Cupcakes, featuring a light, fluffy batter infused with champagne reduction and topped with a creamy champagne buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations, these cupcakes combine classic vanilla flavors with the subtle sophistication of champagne for a festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) champagne
- 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cups (155g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) champagne reduction, cooled
- 2 tbsp (30ml) milk
Frosting
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp champagne reduction, cooled
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make Champagne Reduction: Pour all of the champagne into a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat. Reduce by simmering gently until 3/4 cup remains—avoid boiling to preserve delicate flavors. Measure by pouring into a glass measuring cup, returning any excess to the pan if needed. Refrigerate the cooled reduction until ready for use.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixer bowl, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and vegetable oil together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creaming step is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing until mostly combined after each addition. Add vanilla extract with the second egg. Scrape the bowl sides periodically to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients Partially: Add half of the flour mixture to the batter and mix until mostly combined.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the milk and 1/2 cup of chilled champagne reduction. The batter may look curdled at this stage, which is normal.
- Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until combined and smooth. Scrape down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Buttercream: Beat together the unsalted butter and shortening in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Part of Reduction: Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add Champagne Reduction and Salt: Mix in 3 tablespoons of champagne reduction and the salt until well combined.
- Add Remaining Powdered Sugar: Incorporate the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Adjust with additional champagne reduction as needed to achieve a pipeable consistency.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with Ateco tip 844, pipe the champagne frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a swirl pattern. Add sprinkles if desired, choosing non-bleeding varieties if the cupcakes will be stored for several hours before serving.
- Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container. For best quality, consume within 2-3 days.
Notes
- Do not boil the champagne reduction to preserve its delicate flavors; gentle simmering is key.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming to make the batter light and fluffy.
- The batter may look curdled after adding liquids—this is normal and won’t affect the final texture.
- Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients to keep cupcakes tender.
- If making ahead, refrigerate cupcakes uniced; frost just before serving for best results.
- Use non-bleeding sprinkles if adding decorations that will sit on cupcakes for hours.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: champagne cupcakes, champagne reduction, champagne frosting, festive cupcakes, party dessert, elegant cupcakes
