Champagne Cupcakes

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with Champagne Cupcakes? These delicious desserts are an irresistible combination of celebration and sweetness, perfect for New Years Eve, Christmas, or any holiday party.

These golden cupcakes are kissed with champagne and topped with a rich, buttercream frosting that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. A plate full of these cupcakes served with a glass of non-alcoholic champagne or a cranberry mocktail is the perfect treat for all ages.

While I love the savory recipes like this Christmas cheeseball or this Charcuterie chalet, it's always fun to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cupcakes, or these Christmas Oreo truffles, are some of my favorite desserts to whip up during the holidays.

When tapping into the spirit of the holiday season, I like to use 0 proof champagne to ensure everyone, no matter the age, can enjoy these cupcakes. Savoring the delightful and elegant champagne flavor is something I don't want anyone to miss out on.

Why you'll love these delicious champagne cupcakes

• The champagne in the frosting and the batter adds a touch of elegance
• Although these cupcakes look fancy, they're suitable for any level of baking experience
• They're perfect for New Years Eve, birthday parties, Holiday parties, or any special occasion
• The slight golden color adds a touch of luxury

The ingredients

• Flour - Provides the base for these light and fluffy champagne cupcakes. All purpose flour works best.
• Sugar - You'll need granulated sugar as well as powdered sugar.
• Champagne - Reduced champagne works best for the frosting while regular champagne works for the cupcake batter.
• Oil - A light, flavorless oil like vegetable oil gives these cupcakes a moist texture.
• Butter - Unsalted butter works best for the homemade frosting.
• Vanilla - Vanilla extract is a must in the batter as well as the frosting.

Can I use any type of champagne?

Yes, any kind of champagne will work for these moist cupcakes. We love using 0.0 champagne because the whole family can enjoy it! But, whatever champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine you have on hand is great. We would not recommend using your most expensive champagne, as the alcohol content does bake out. 

How to make champagne cupcakes

Step 1: Dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Wet ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix together until smooth.

Step 3: Bake

Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 of the way full and bake until golden brown or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Step 4: The frosting

While the cupcakes are baking, boil the champagne and simmer until it's reduced to roughly 1/4 cup. In a stand mixer, combine with the other frosting ingredients until desired texture is reached.

Step 5: Frost

After the cupcakes have cooled completely on a wire rack, frost with champagne frosting. 

Pro tip: Add a tablespoon of reduced champagne to the frosting at a time, testing the flavor in between. The gradual attempt allows you to get the best results. 

Can I make the frosting without reducing the champagne?

Yes, you can make the frosting without reducing the champagne but reduced champagne adds a concentrated flavor. If you choose not to boil the champagne, use only 1-2 tablespoons for ideal flavor.

Expert advice

• For even more champagne flavor, chill the sparkling wine before adding to the cupcake batter.
• To maintain the cupcakes light, airy texture, gently mix the batter until combined. Over-mixing will result in dense cupcakes.
• Use a piping bag for a professional, and elegant frosting look.
• Top with edible glitter or gold sprinkles for an added shimmer.
• If you want pink champagne cupcakes, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the icing and batter

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, you can make mini champagne cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin. These are perfect for a new year's eve party, bridal shower, or any other event where you will have a variety of desserts. Do note, that bite sized cupcakes will bake faster so the cook time will change. 

Storage

Storing - Store cooled and frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before storing.

Freezing - You can freeze cooled, unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Place in a ziplock baggie or freezer safe container and thaw in the fridge when you're ready to frost. Prepare frosting fresh.

More recipes you'll love

• If you're looking for another dessert recipe, try these Christmas wreath cookies
• This easy Christmas popcorn or these mini gingerbread houses are more great recipes for the holiday season.
• Sweets are fun, but you can't go wrong serving a new years eve charcuterie board for an easy appetizer.
• These mini pecan pies are a fun twist on the classic thanksgiving dessert
• The best part about new years are the sparking non-alcoholic drinks that the whole family can enjoy.