Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Prep time: 30 min
Serves: 24
Guilt Level: HIGH

        A soda shoppe classic transformed into a cupcake! Vanilla with swirls of intense root beer flavor, topped with classic vanilla buttercream frosting.

INGREDIENTS

(for the cake)

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (oil, eggs and water as noted on package)
• 1 ounce bottle of root beer extract (recommend McCormick's)
  

(for the frosting)

• 3 sticks salted butter (at room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350º, and line two cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
   
2.  In a bowl, prepare cake mix as directed. Fill cupcake liners half full.
   
3. Carefully drop 2-3 drops of root beer extract in the center of each cupcake, then use a toothpick to swirl it gently into the batter.
   
4. Bake 12-15 min until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
5. Using a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Slowly add vanilla extract. Beat 5-6 min on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
   
6. Fill a pastry bag with a star tip with frosting, or fill one end of a resealable plastic bag and snip off the corner to create an instant (and disposable!) pastry bag.
   
7. Generously frost each cupcake and garnish with vanilla sugar, sprinkles, colored sugar, or just enjoy as is!