Name: Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 Tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 cup Champagne; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1 lb 10 oz confectioner’s sugar; 12 oz salted butter (room temperature); 8 oz fresh strawberries (plus extra for decoration); 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 64 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, then this Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes are the perfect celebration of light, fluffy cake infused with the subtle sophistication of champagne, crowned by a vibrant, fresh strawberry frosting. Every bite is a delightful balance of bubbles and berries that feels like a party all on its own. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe brings a touch of sparkle and sweetness to any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine strawberry slices arranged on a wooden cutting board with a light brown color and visible grain patterns. Each strawberry slice is cut vertically, showing a red outer skin fading to a light pink and white center, with small yellow seeds along the edges. The slices are placed randomly but evenly spaced on the board, which lies on a white marbled surface. The scene is simple and focuses on the fresh, juicy texture of the sliced strawberries photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous, festive look.

2 cups all purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tender crumb for the cupcakes.
2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds rich creaminess and moisture to the batter.
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes without overpowering the delicate champagne flavor.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely warmth and depth.
1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
1 Tbsp. baking powder: Gives the cupcakes their light, airy rise.
1 cup Champagne: Infuses the batter with a subtle, fruity sparkle that’s utterly unique.
2/3 cup whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
1 lb. 10 oz. confectioner’s sugar: Essential for silky smooth, sweet frosting.
12 oz. salted butter (room temperature): The base of the frosting, adding richness and the right texture.
8 oz. fresh strawberries (plus extra for decoration): Brings natural brightness and color to the frosting.
1-2 Tbsp. heavy cream: Helps adjust frosting consistency to perfect pipeability.

How to Make Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Line your cupcake tin with liners or give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cupcakes come out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and sugar together on medium-high speed with an electric hand mixer. This part is key because you want the mixture to become fluffy and light, ensuring those cupcakes get their signature soft texture. Don’t forget to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed! Once fluffy, add in the eggs one at a time and then pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet Mixture

Take a separate bowl and whisk together your flour, salt, and baking powder. Then, alternately add this dry mix and the milk to your wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender. Once the batter is almost ready, fold in the champagne gently. A few lumps in the batter here are perfectly fine, as they help keep that delicate texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide your batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean — this means they’re baked through but still moist.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While your cupcakes are baking, prepare the star of the show—fresh strawberry frosting! Strip the stems off your strawberries and puree them in a blender until smooth. Then, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the salted butter and confectioner’s sugar until creamy. Slowly add the strawberry puree until it’s perfectly smooth and blended. If the frosting needs a little loosening, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until your frosting can be easily piped but still holds its shape beautifully.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, fill a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off with your luscious strawberry frosting. Pipe the frosting in pretty circular swirls on top of each cupcake. To finish, sprinkle with festive red or gold sprinkles and adorn with fresh strawberry slices. These little touches make them look as amazing as they taste!

How to Serve Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

A close-up view of a cupcake with a bite taken out of the front, showing light yellow soft cake inside. On top, there is a thick layer of pale pink whipped frosting with small red sprinkles scattered on it. In the background, two more cupcakes are visible, each topped with similar pink frosting and garnished with sliced strawberries standing upright. The cupcakes are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your cupcakes with thinly sliced fresh strawberries or a small edible flower to add a delicate, fresh look. A dusting of edible glitter or pearlized sprinkles can bring an extra bit of sparkle that matches the champagne theme perfectly. These garnishes really elevate the presentation and tie the flavors together.

Side Dishes

Champagne cupcakes are a delight on their own, but pairing them with light, complementary treats can make your dessert spread unforgettable. Think fresh fruit platters featuring berries and melon or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. A small glass of bubbly or sparkling water with lemon also pairs wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, present the cupcakes on tiered cake stands to show off that strawberry frosting in all its glory. You can also individually wrap them in clear boxes tied with ribbon for a sweet favor that guests will love to take home. If you’re hosting a large event, arrange them on a themed dessert table with champagne flutes and floral accents to keep the celebration vibe going strong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which is a great problem to have!), store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh, and the cake moist. They’ll stay great for up to 3 days, although I bet they won’t last that long!

Freezing

Want to make these ahead of time? You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Once cooled completely, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag or container. They will keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to frost, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before adding the strawberry frosting.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or refrigerated cupcakes, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and change the texture of the cake. If you want a slight warmth to your cupcakes, a few seconds under a warm kitchen towel should do the trick without compromising their delicate makeup.

FAQs

Can I use sparkling wine other than Champagne for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Champagne is traditional and lends a classic flavor, any good quality sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava will work beautifully and won’t compromise the taste of your cupcakes.

Why does the batter have lumps after folding in Champagne?

Lumps in the batter after folding in champagne are perfectly normal and expected. Champagne introduces carbonation and liquid fat that don’t always mix completely smoothly, but they do not affect the final texture of the cupcakes.

Can I make the strawberry frosting without fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries give the frosting its vibrant flavor and color, but if fresh are unavailable you can use frozen, thawed strawberries or even a good quality strawberry puree. Just be mindful that frozen berries may add extra moisture and could affect consistency slightly.

How important is it to use room temperature butter?

Using room temperature butter for both the cupcakes and frosting is crucial. It ensures you get that fluffy creamed texture when mixing and smooth, creamy frosting. Cold butter will not blend well and can result in dense cupcakes or lumpy frosting.

Can I double this Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have enough oven space or bake in batches, and keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly depending on your oven and cupcake pan size.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of champagne and strawberries, and this Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly. From the moment you mix the batter to the final swirl of frosting, it’s a joyous experience filled with light, flavor, and a touch of sparkle. I can’t wait for you to try these cupcakes and see how much they brighten up your celebration or simply sweeten an ordinary day. Happy baking!