Root Beer Cupcakes
Root Beer Cupcakes with a tasty root beer cream cheese frosting offer a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes. Blending the nostalgic scent and taste of root beer with comforting, moist cake. Caramel and vanilla undertones of root beer shine through every bite, creating a playful yet elegant dessert. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat, they bring a warm spark of curiosity and joy to your kitchen.

Before you five into this goodness, don’t forget to try my other delicious cupcake recipes such as Red Velvet Cupcakes and Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcakes!
My daughter had one main request for her 12th birthday this year – she wanted cupcakes and specifically, Root Beer Cupcakes.
I recalled her birthday last year when all she wanted to do was ‘hang out’ with friends, no balloons or party decorations, and nothing special – not even a cake or cupcakes to celebrate. So this year when my daughter actually had requests, this mama didn’t hold back.
I planned an ice cream bar with friends, and then these Root Beer Cupcakes for her to share with her cheer teammates.
What I love about these Root Beer Cupcakes with cake mix is that they aren’t overpowering. It’s not until you bite into them, that your nose picks up the classic root beer scent. Then, the flavour mildly hits, it’s just pleasant!
Root Beer Float Cupcakes are perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in something a little adventurous. For another great birthday cupcakes recipe, try our Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes or this Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Serves: 6

Recipe Variations
Tips for Success
Ingredients and Notes
Frosting Variations
As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Root Beer Cupcakes
For the Root Beer Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, vegetable oil and egg whites until combined.
- Add in root beer soda and gently stir, then add in root beer extract and combine again.
- Pour batter into paper liners and bake as per instructions on the box, ensure not to overcook.
- Once done, set aside to cool.
For the Root Beer Icing
- Combine cream cheese, milk, root beer extract and vanilla in a bowl. You can use a stand mixer with paddle attachment or simply use an electric mixer for this. Beat on medium until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread over cooled cupcakes, or use a piping bag to decorate. I added a festive straw as a final touch, yet thats optional of course.
What To Serve With Root Beer Cupcakes

Freezing & Storing Leftovers
Freezing:
Wrap cooled cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Storing:
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can substitute with diet or caffeine-free variants, but these may alter the sweetness and overall flavor slightly.
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.
Easy Cake Recipes to Try
If you’ve tried this Root Beer Cupcakes Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!

Root Beer Cupcakes
Ingredients
CUPCAKE
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1¼ cup root beer
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 egg whites
- 2 tsp root beer extract (or root beer concentrate)
CREAM CHEESE ICING
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp root beer extract
- 3 cups icing sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, vegetable oil and egg whites until combined.
- Add in root beer and gently stir, then add in root beer extract and combine again.
- Bake as per instructions on the box, ensure not to overcook.
- Once done, set aside to cool.
ICING
- Combine cream cheese, milk, root beer extract and vanilla in a bowl. Beat on medium until combined.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe over cooled cupcakes.
Such a great tasting unique cupcake. We have loved this recipe for years!
Hi, the ingredients list includes a package of cream cheese. What size package? Thanks.
8oz. 🙂
Tried them! Love them! They tasted EXACTLY like rootbeer cupcakes should! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Super cute idea for kids parties. Or grown up parties :-0
OH we gotta try these! We both love root beer in a nice cold mug. Having these with our root beer would so delicious!
It starts around age 12, that’s for sure.
My nephew had this 12th bday this year, and he didn’t really want much. He got a huge steak for his dinner (his choice!) and spent some time with his friends, but that’s it.
They grow so fast! 🙁
those cupcakes look AMAZING though. 🙂
I would never have thought to use root beer in cakes or cupcakes! I didn’t even know you could get root beer extract.
Super cool! My husband is a big root beer fan; I will be making these for sure! I really like the muffin cups you used, and are those straws? They are perfect for rootbeer cupcakes!
Wow they look and sound scrumptious , thanks for sharing the recipe , i will be trying them out 🙂
They look so delicious! I will have to make those for my daughter. She loves root beer and cup cakes. You will find that as they become teenagers, they have very different idea how they want to celebrate there birthday! My granddaughter 4th birthday is next weekend. I help my daughter make rainbow playdough in masson jar instead of traditional goody bags.
Omg this looks heavenly! Never heard of root beer cupcakes before. This is a recipe I have to make.
These would be a big hit within the house, extended family and friends – lots of pro root beer peeps in my life but I’ve never seen root beer extract or root beer concentrate — any tips on where to find? Maybe it’s an obvious answer or the most obvious answer aka Amazon but if I’d ever seen it in a store I would have bought it…
I found it on Amazon. Walmart said they had it online but couldn’t find it in store. Was 3.67 on Amazon, so affordable as well.
look so delicious, we love root beet=r so totally trying this one
Yum!!
I feel your pain, my daughter is 12yrs, she is the youngest of my 4! I miss the big B-day party’s, sleepovers (where I plan movies, games etc) now I guess I am not that cool anymore (or so she wants her friends to think!)
I cant wait to help with my grandkids!!