Elevate Your Brunch: Exquisite Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes with Champagne and Fragrant Buttercream
Transform your next brunch gathering into an unforgettable event with these captivating Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes. Featuring a light, airy champagne-infused cake base crowned with a delicate, fragrant lavender buttercream frosting, these cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist on a classic brunch cocktail. They are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite, perfect for bridal showers, spring parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and whimsy. For comprehensive planning tips, explore our dedicated brunch and mimosa party ideas post.
The Inspiration: A Mimosa Remix and the Allure of Lavender
Let’s make a confession right here: traditional orange juice mimosas have never been my cup of tea. There’s just something about the flavor profile of orange juice that doesn’t quite resonate with my palate. This personal preference has led me on a delightful journey to explore alternative, more exciting mimosa variations. My go-to choices often include peach juice, pineapple juice, or innovative flavored syrups – a quest that serendipitously led me to discover the exquisite Lavender Syrup from Torani.
The moment I tasted this lavender syrup, I knew it had incredible potential for a dessert creation. The idea of transforming a beloved mimosa into a cupcake, but with a unique lavender twist, immediately sparked my imagination. I envisioned a dessert that was not only visually stunning but also offered a sophisticated and unexpected flavor experience. The result? These divine Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes, a truly magnificent culmination of flavor and elegance, and the perfect grand finale for our Brunch Week culinary adventure. They are a testament to how stepping outside conventional norms can lead to truly spectacular results.
Why Champagne Elevates Your Cupcakes to a Celebration
Infusing desserts with alcohol is an art form I’m no stranger to, having crafted treats like rich Irish Brownies brimming with Guinness, which imparts a wonderful dark, stout flavor to the chocolate, complemented beautifully by a creamy Bailey’s frosting. Following this passion, it was only natural to incorporate champagne into these Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes.
The addition of champagne to the cupcake base isn’t just a novelty; it’s a game-changer. It works wonders to create a truly light, fluffy, and airy texture that distinguishes these cupcakes from ordinary ones. The subtle effervescence and delicate flavor notes of the champagne contribute to a sophisticated profile, making each bite feel like a festive occasion. It transforms a simple cupcake into a celebratory treat, perfect for any special gathering or even just to add a touch of sparkle to your everyday. The champagne not only lightens the batter but also imparts a unique tenderness, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly complements the fragrant lavender buttercream.
Crafting the Perfect Champagne Cupcake Base: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful champagne cupcakes begins with careful attention to detail and the right ingredients. To achieve their signature light and airy texture, it’s essential to follow these steps precisely:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners, preparing them for your delicious batter.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the softened salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cupcake.
- Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This prevents the mixture from curdling and maintains a smooth consistency. Follow this by mixing in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these ingredients together ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in the batter.
- With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry mixture and the room-temperature champagne to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds of the way full. This allows room for them to rise beautifully without overflowing.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is crucial for the cupcakes to be entirely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
These champagne cupcakes are not just light and airy; they’re a truly celebratory treat, setting the perfect stage for the luscious lavender buttercream!
Creating Exquisite Lavender Buttercream Frosting
The enchanting lavender buttercream frosting is the crowning glory of these cupcakes, adding a fragrant and beautiful finish. Here’s how to whip up this dreamy topping:
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened salted butter until it is light, fluffy, and creamy. This can take several minutes and is essential for a smooth buttercream.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until three cups have been incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, which complement the lavender beautifully.
- Add the remaining three cups of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and the frosting is thick and creamy.
- Finally, beat in the 1/2 cup of lavender syrup. This infuses the buttercream with its unique floral notes.
When I initially mixed in the lavender syrup, I expected a vibrant purple hue to emerge naturally. However, the frosting came out with a rather drab, grayish tone. To achieve the beautiful, soft lavender color I envisioned, I added about 30 drops of red food coloring and 30 drops of blue food coloring. This combination created a very pleasing, delicate lavender purple that perfectly matched the elegant flavor. Feel free to adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired shade of purple, adding more red or blue drops as needed until you are completely satisfied.
Spotlight on Key Ingredients & Partners
The success of these Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes owes much to the exceptional quality of certain ingredients, particularly those provided by our generous sponsors.
Torani Lavender Syrup: A Culinary Essential
The lavender syrup from Torani is truly a star ingredient. Its versatility extends far beyond these cupcakes; it can effortlessly flavor iced coffee, milkshakes, various baked goods, and even cocktails. The possibilities for its use are virtually endless. What sets Torani’s lavender syrup apart is its perfectly balanced flavor profile – it’s light and fresh, subtly floral without being overpowering or “soapy,” which can sometimes be a concern with floral flavors. It delivers a delightful taste experience that is both unique and incredibly pleasant, making it an indispensable pantry item for creative cooks and bakers.
Sweets & Treats Gold Sugar Crystals: The Glimmering Finish
To add a final touch of sparkle and sophistication, the Gold Sugar Crystals from Sweets & Treats are the ideal topping for these Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes. Their dazzling shimmer instantly elevates the visual appeal, adding a touch of pizzazz and glamour. Beyond these elegant crystals, Sweets & Treats offers an incredible array of decorative sprinkles. I also couldn’t resist picking up their adorable donut sprinkles and enchanting cotton candy sprinkles for my daughter, showcasing the delightful variety they provide for every baking need.
Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes: Versatile Indulgence for Any Occasion
These Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes are wonderfully adaptable, making them perfectly suitable for a relaxed brunch spread or as an elegant dessert to cap off a meal. Their delicate flavors and festive presentation ensure they’re a hit no matter when you choose to serve them. The unique combination of champagne and lavender makes them a conversation starter and a memorable treat for any gathering.
Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 18 servings
These Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes have a bubbly champagne cupcake base with a beautiful lavender buttercream frosting which makes for a sweet brunch dessert!
Ingredients
Champagne Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup champagne, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Lavender Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup lavender syrup
- red and blue food coloring
- gold sugar crystals and/or lavender for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
- Into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg, one at a time, followed by Greek yogurt, vanilla and almond extract.
- Into a medium sized bowl whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add dry mixture into the mixing bowl with the sugar mixture alternating with the champagne. Beat until smooth.
- Place into cupcake liners, about 2/3’s of the way full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until slightly golden brown or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Lavender Buttercream Frosting
- Into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl, beat butter until light and creamy. Add in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you’ve added 3 cups.
- Add in vanilla and almond extracts. Add in remaining 3 cups of powdered sugar. Beat in 1/2 cup lavender syrup.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and garnish with gold sugar crystals and/or lavender.
Since the syrup is such a lovely hue of purple I was expecting the frosting to be a beautiful color but it came out super drab and grayish. Therefore, I made purple by adding in 30 drops of red food coloring and 30 drops of blue food coloring. This gave me a very light, lavender purple color that I was very happy with. Play around with the colors and add more purple if you’d like.
Courses Dessert
Cuisine American
A Grand Finale: Reflecting on Brunch Week 2019
It’s hard to believe that Brunch Week 2019 has already drawn to a close! This annual event has been a fantastic opportunity to share delicious recipes and connect with a community of passionate food bloggers. I encourage you to explore the variety of incredible brunch creations from earlier this week:
- Sheet Pan Mexican Frittata
- Strawberry Hibiscus Mint Julep
- Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
And don’t forget to check out all the other inspiring blogger recipes that made this event so special.
Welcome to #BrunchWeek 2019, proudly hosted by Love and Confections and A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures! This marks our 7th exciting year, bringing together 35 talented bloggers from across the country to share over 140 of their absolute best Brunch recipes. Throughout the week, we’ve delighted you with an array of delicious recipes, including refreshing cocktails, delectable appetizers, hearty casseroles, classic cinnamon rolls, inventive breakfast pizzas, comforting coffee cakes, a plethora of exquisite desserts, and so much more! Our incredible BrunchWeek Sponsors have generously provided some fantastic prizes for our giveaway. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our Sponsors for their generosity. We have an amazing giveaway outlined below, and we’d be thrilled if you took a moment to learn about the wonderful prizes you could win!
Discover More Brunch Week Delights & Amazing Giveaways!
Beyond our delicious Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes, Brunch Week 2019 has been packed with incredible recipes and generous giveaways. Don’t miss your chance to win some fantastic prizes from our sponsors who help make this event possible.
PRIZE #1: DIXIE CRYSTALS
Dixie Crystals is giving one lucky winner a Keurig K-Select Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker. Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s preferred choice for premium high-quality sugar and sweeteners. For generations, Dixie Crystals has been a cherished part of family traditions and festive celebrations. Their pure cane, non-GMO sugar products consistently ensure that treasured family recipes turn out perfectly every time. Bake with love and the trusted quality of Dixie Crystals.
PRIZE #2: CABOT CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE
Cabot is giving one winner a delightful gift box filled with an assortment of their finest Cabot cheeses. The dedicated farm families who own Cabot Creamery Co-operative truly love what they do, and they’ve been perfecting their craft every single day since 1919. Almost a century later, they proudly stand by their thriving farms, strong communities, and happy, healthy cows that produce the rich, buttery milk used to create Cabot’s award-winning cheese and dairy products. These accolades confirm their commitment to excellence, and with your continued enjoyment of their cheese, they look forward to continuing their legacy for generations to come.
PRIZE#3: JOYJOLT
PRIZE#4: SWEETS & TREATS
PRIZE#5: TORANI
PRIZE#6: COOKBOOK SET
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Explore what other #BrunchWeek Bloggers have created today!
BrunchWeek Beverages:
Maple Bacon Old Fashioned from The Spiffy Cookie
Pimm’s Iced Tea from Books n’ Cooks
Sparkling Strawberry Peach Punch from For the Love of Food
Spicy Bloody Mary from Sweet Beginnings
Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte from Snacks and Sips
Strawberry St Germain Gin and Tonic from Caroline’s Cooking
Triple Orange Julius from The Crumby Kitchen
Watermelon Fizz Cocktail from Who Needs A Cape?
BrunchWeek Appetizers and Salads:
Breakfast Nachos from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Cheddar Cheese Bites from Family Around the Table
BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Amish Breakfast Casserole from Platter Talk
Cheesy Poblano Frittata from Shockingly Delicious
BrunchWeek Breads, Grains, and Pastries:
Berry Baked Oatmeal from Kate’s Recipe Box
Galaxy Donuts from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Vegan Mango Peach Toaster Pastries from The Baking Fairy
Waffle Casserole with Maple Sausage from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Bacon and Cheese Loaded Hashbrown Waffles from Big Bear’s Wife
BrunchWeek Desserts:
Brunch Cake from April Golightly
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake from PasstheSushi
Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes from Cookaholic Wife
Peachy Keen Buttercream from Cooking With Carlee
Raspberry Lemon Cake from The Redhead Baker
Salted Caramel Blondie Trifles from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza from Hardly A Goddess
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Disclaimer: A heartfelt thank you to our #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Joyjolt, Sweets & Treats, Torani, Sarcastic Cooking, Dessert for Two, Sweet Phi, and The Little Ferraro Kitchen for generously providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also graciously supplied the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions expressed are solely my own. The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be thoroughly checked and verified. By entering, you grant the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received directly determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be shipped directly from the giveaway sponsors. Winners will have 48 hours to respond once chosen, or they will forfeit the prize, and another winner(s) will be selected. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #Brunchweek posts or entry.