Skip to Content

Root Beer Buttercream Recipe

How to Make Root Beer Buttercream Icing

Welcome to the delightful confectionery world, where classic flavors blend seamlessly with creative culinary twists. Today, we’re embarking on a sweet journey to create a unique frosting that combines root beer’s nostalgic taste with buttercream’s creamy richness—introducing Root Beer Buttercream!

Root beer cupcake with smooth root beer buttercream icing

A Symphony of Flavors

Imagine the effervescence of root beer, a beloved soda cherished across generations, transformed into a luscious frosting. This recipe promises to take you on a nostalgic trip, melding the comforting notes of vanilla, sassafras, and spices with the rich creaminess of buttercream. The result is a delightful harmony of taste and texture, perfect for both the young and the young at heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

In this enticing fusion, the familiar flavors of root beer meet the airy lightness of perfectly whipped buttercream. Each bite is a celebration of contrasts – the subtle sweetness dancing with a hint of earthiness, and the smoothness of butter balancing the playful bubbles of root beer. Whether you’re preparing a show-stopping cake for a special occasion, delightful cupcakes to share with friends, or simply looking to elevate your baking skills, this Root Beer Buttercream recipe will undoubtedly become your new favorite.

Easy Root Beer Buttercream Recipe

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: Enough for approximately 12 cupcakes or a 9-inch layer cake

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon root beer concentrate (available at most grocery stores near the spices and vanilla)

Root beer buttercream frosting in mixing bowl with spatula

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the room-temperature butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. If using a hand mixer, start on medium-low and increase the speed gradually.
  2. Add the Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar to the butter while continuing to mix. The mixture will initially be crumbly and dry.
  3. Incorporate the Liquids: While the mixer is still running, add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and root beer concentrate gradually. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the frosting reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting appears too thick, add a splash of milk or more heavy whipping cream to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Decorate: Transfer the Root Beer Buttercream to a piping bag using a rubber spatula. Alternatively, use an ice cream scoop to create a whimsical “scoop of ice cream” effect when frosting cupcakes or cakes.

 

Root beer buttercream on root beer cupcake

Tips for Perfect Buttercream

  • Use High-Quality Butter: A high-quality butter with a higher fat content will produce the best buttercream.
  • Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
  • Gradual Mixing: Adding powdered sugar slowly prevents the frosting from becoming too dry and crumbly.

Root beer buttercream collage in mixing bowl and on cupcakes

 

Fun Fact: The History of the Root Beer Float

Did you know that the root beer float, a delightful concoction, has been enjoyed for over a century? According to Spoon University, we owe this treat to J. Wisner, the owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing. On a hot summer day in 1893, Wisner was inspired by the snow-capped peaks of Colorado’s Cow Mountain, which resembled scoops of ice cream floating in soda. This moment of inspiration led him to create the root beer float, combining root beer with vanilla ice cream. The rest is delicious history!

Three cupcakes with root beer buttercream frosting

 

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? A: It’s recommended to use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content. If you only have salted butter, consider reducing or omitting any additional salt.

Q: Can I substitute root beer soda for the concentrate? A: Root beer soda may affect the texture of the frosting due to its liquid content. For the best results, use root beer concentrate.

Q: How do I store leftover buttercream? A: Store any leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring it to room temperature and whisk it before using.

Q: Can I freeze the frosting? A: Yes, freeze the buttercream in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip before using.

Q: How do I fix runny frosting? A: Add more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until it thickens to the desired consistency. Be careful not to make it too sweet.

Q: Can I tint the frosting with food coloring? A: Yes, use gel-based food colors to avoid diluting the frosting.

This root beer buttercream is full of everyone’s favorite flavor.

It will surely bring back memories of summer or time spent drinking rootbeer floats.

Whip up a batch of this root beer buttercream icing and focus on life’s simple treasures.

The best part, and my favorite part, is this frosting tastes just like yummy root beer!

By incorporating these steps and tips, you’ll create a memorable and delicious Root Beer Buttercream that captures the essence of this nostalgic flavor. Happy baking!

Other Frosting Recipes you may Like:

Easy Strawberry Frosting Recipe–JUST 3 Ingredients

Margarita Frosting Recipe

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Pineapple Frosting Recipe

Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting Recipe

Orange Dreamsicle Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Pink Champagne Buttercream Icing Recipe

Tutorials for Frosting:

How to Do a Basket Weave with Frosting

How to Fill A Cake

How to Crumb Coat a Cake

Root Beer Buttercream Icing Recipe

Root Beer Buttercream Icing Recipe

Yield: enough for 24 cupcakes
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

On-bowl, ready in minutes, root beer buttercream has old-fashioned root beer flavor that tastes great on cupcakes, brownies, or a layer cake.

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter (real butter- do NOT skimp out and use wimpy margarine here...)
  • 5 cups of powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 3 Tablespoons vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoons root beer concentrate

Instructions

  1. Cream butter in mixer.
  2. Slowly add powdered sugar. The mixture will be crumbly and dry.
  3. While continuing to mix, gradually add heavy cream, vanilla, and root beer concentrate.
  4. Mix until fluffy.
  5. Using a rubber spatula, transfer to a piping bag and have fun!!



Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 109Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 23gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information may not be accurate

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
Skip to Recipe
error: Content is protected !!