Description
At its heart, a Root Beer Float Cupcake is a dessert mashup. It takes the flavor profile of the traditional beverage—which typically consists of root beer soda poured over vanilla bean ice cream—and translates it into a cake format. To achieve the “authentic” taste, the recipe relies on two key components: actual root beer soda and root beer extract.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup root beer (regular, not diet)
1–2 tsp root beer extract (this is the flavor booster ✨)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla “Ice Cream” Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: tiny splash of root beer extract (very little!)
Toppings (optional but cute)
Maraschino cherries
Brown sugar or root beer barrel candy crumbs
Mini straws or sprinkles
Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners
2. Make the cupcakes
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time
Mix in root beer, vanilla, and root beer extract
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined
3. Bake
Fill liners about ⅔ full
Bake 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean
Cool completely before frosting
4. Make the frosting
Beat butter until smooth
Gradually add powdered sugar
Add vanilla and cream until light and fluffy
Taste and adjust sweetness or add a drop of root beer extract if you want a float vibe
5. Decorate
Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes
Top with a cherry and any extras you like 🍒
Notes
These Root Beer Float Cupcakes are inspired by the classic soda shop treat—sweet, nostalgic, and fun. For the best flavor, don’t skip the root beer extract, and feel free to get creative with toppings. A cherry on top makes them extra special, just like a real float!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: ~320 kcal
Keywords: Soda fountain cupcakes, root beer flavored treats, sassafras cupcakes with vanilla frosting, nostalgic soda cupcakes.