Root Beer Cupcakes

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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.

Root beer cupcakes with brown root beer frosting and a straw inserted on top, on a white plate.

Table of Contents

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

Unique Flavor – Root beer cupcakes distinguish themselves with their aromatic blend of nostalgic root beer flavors, which infuse the cake batter with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. This makes every bite a surprising delight, different from your everyday vanilla or chocolate cupcake much like our Eggnog Cupcakes.
Easy to Make – Thanks to using a box cake mix for convenience. Our Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are a totally homemade cupcake, if you’d rather that.
Versatile and Fun – With the taste covered, these cupcakes offer a canvas for creativity depending on the occasion.

Total Time: 4 hours

Serves: 6

Recipe Variations

Make Root Beer Float Cupcakes:
Top each cupcake with a swirl of vanilla bean frosting and add maraschino cherries to echo the classic root beer float experience.
Make Spiced Root Beer Cupcakes:
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter for a cozy twist that complements the root beer’s spicy notes.
Make Chocolate Root Beer Cupcakes:
Mix in cocoa powder or add chocolate chips for a rich variation where the root beer undertones beautifully balance the chocolate’s intensity.

Tips for Success

Chill your root beer beforehand
Using cold root beer in the batter helps maintain its carbonation longer, improving the cupcake’s light, airy texture. This simple step ensures the delicate bubbles don’t dissipate too quickly during mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until the ingredients come together to avoid a tough cupcake texture. Overmixing can break down the carbonation and develop gluten, which makes the cake dense rather than tender.
Use room temperature eggs
Bringing them to room temperature allows them to blend more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and more consistent crumb.
Test your cupcakes with a toothpick
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This prevents over-baking, which can dry out your root beer cupcake recipe.
Add a sprinkle of baking powder if desired
If your root beer is flat or less fizzy, adding a quarter teaspoon of baking powder can help with rising and create an even lighter texture.

Ingredients and Notes

Root Beer – Root beer is the star ingredient that lends this recipe its distinct flavor and effervescence. You can use classic root beer or try a craft or homemade root beer for a richer, more complex taste.
Box Cake Mix – I used a simple white cake mix. It’s easy and it tastes great. Really, it’s taking the already delicious and adding the root beer flavoring. Our Strawberry Jello Poke Cake uses white cake mix too.
Root Beer Extract – To achieve the taste of this recipe you do need some Root Beer Extract or Root Beer Concentrate for these!
Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract amplifies the warm vanilla tones in the root beer, bringing harmony to the spice and sweetness. Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor, but imitation vanilla can be used as a budget-friendly option.

Frosting Variations

You can make the cupcakes and have the option of pairing them with a variety of frostings other than our included root beer cream cheese frosting. Try whipped cream, vanilla buttercream frosting, or even a subtle cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
If you are looking an icing that isn’t too sweet, try this Dream Whip Icing, and just add the root beer extract to it.

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

Vanilla Ice Cream– The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spice and sweetness of the cupcakes, balancing each bite. You could also serve with our No Churn Blueberry Ice Cream Recipe too.
Coffee or Black Tea – A cup of robust coffee or a fragrant black tea cuts through the richness while complementing the deep vanilla and caramel notes.
Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad with berries or citrus adds bright, tangy contrasts that refresh the palate between bites.
Whipped Cream – sweetened whipped cream enhances the cupcakes without overpowering their subtle root beer flavor.

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

Can I use diet or caffeine-free root beer for root beer cupcakes?

Yes, you can substitute with diet or caffeine-free variants, but these may alter the sweetness and overall flavor slightly.

Can I make root beer cupcakes ahead of time?

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

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is perfect as a birthday dessert.
You can’t get any easier with this Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich Cake.
This Key Lime Cake Recipe is also perfect for the everyday to a special occasion.

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

Root Beer Cupcakes with cream cheese icing. First your nose picks up the classic root beer scent, then the flavour mildly hits, so classic and delicious!

4.63 from 29 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Author: Tammi

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.

Notes

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.

Tried this recipe?Tag @MyOrganizedChaosBlog so I can share!

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17 Comments

Doris Humber says:

11/20/2016 at 9:43 am

Omg this looks heavenly! Never heard of root beer cupcakes before. This is a recipe I have to make.

Tava says:

10/22/2016 at 6:17 pm

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…

1. Brandi says:
  
  11/27/2024 at 5:11 pm
  
  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.
  
Linda Cassidy says:

10/18/2016 at 12:20 pm

look so delicious, we love root beet=r so totally trying this one

Nicole W. says:

10/18/2016 at 9:11 am

Yum!!

Leslie Crosbie says:

10/18/2016 at 7:36 am

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!!