Mimosa Cupcakes: A Bubbly Twist on a Classic Treat

Mimosa cupcakes bring the elegance of brunch to dessert, combining the zesty citrus notes of orange with the light, celebratory essence of champagne. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and infused with the flavors of freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling wine, making them the perfect treat for bridal showers, brunch gatherings, or any special occasion. A champagne-infused buttercream frosting takes them to the next level, adding a creamy, slightly boozy finish.

If you love the idea of turning a classic brunch cocktail into a bite-sized indulgence, this recipe is for you. With a balance of sweetness, citrus brightness, and the subtle fizz of champagne, these cupcakes are a delightful way to celebrate life’s little moments.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ teaspoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Large eggs	2
Orange zest	1 tablespoon
Fresh orange juice	¼ cup
Champagne or sparkling wine	½ cup
Whole milk	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

For the Champagne Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar	4 cups
Champagne (reduced)	3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Orange zest	1 teaspoon

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices or zest
• Edible gold dust or sprinkles
• Sugar pearls for decoration

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or microplane
• Cupcake liners and muffin tin
• Wire cooling rack
• Piping bag and frosting tip

A stand mixer makes the frosting process much easier, ensuring a smooth, fluffy texture, while a microplane grater is perfect for getting finely grated orange zest without the bitter pith.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, milk, and champagne. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is well incorporated but not overmixed.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Champagne Buttercream Frosting

In a small saucepan, simmer ½ cup of champagne over low heat until it reduces to about 3 tablespoons. Let it cool completely before using.

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the cooled champagne reduction, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until light and fluffy.

4. Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in swirls or a simple dome shape. Garnish with fresh orange zest, a small orange wedge, or edible gold dust for an elegant finish.

Tips and Variations

• For a stronger champagne flavor, brush the tops of the cupcakes with a little extra champagne before frosting.
• Make it alcohol-free by substituting the champagne with sparkling white grape juice or additional orange juice.
• Try a different citrus twist by using lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a lemon-champagne cupcake variation.
• For a boozy kick, add 1 tablespoon of champagne directly into the buttercream frosting instead of reducing it.
• Use a Swiss meringue buttercream instead of traditional buttercream for a silkier, less sweet frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Mimosa cupcakes are best enjoyed as a brunch or party dessert. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant presentation. For a finishing touch, lightly dust them with powdered sugar or edible glitter to give them a sparkling effect.

They pair beautifully with a fresh fruit platter, citrus salads, or even mini quiches for a well-rounded brunch spread.

Pairings

• Classic Mimosa – The obvious but perfect pairing! The orange juice and champagne in the cocktail complement the flavors of the cupcakes.
• Sparkling Rosé – A slightly sweeter option that enhances the citrus and vanilla notes.
• Earl Grey Tea – If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, the bergamot in Earl Grey tea beautifully complements the orange and champagne flavors.
• Limoncello Spritz – A refreshing Italian cocktail with lemon and Prosecco that brings out the bright citrus flavors in the cupcakes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating Tips

Cupcakes don’t need to be reheated, but if they feel dry, you can warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to refresh them.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	14g
Protein	2g
Sugar	30g
Sodium	80mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Mimosa cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a touch of elegance and fun to any gathering. Their delicate balance of citrus and champagne flavors captures the essence of a classic brunch mimosa in a soft, fluffy cake topped with luscious buttercream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these cupcakes offer a delightful combination of sweetness and lightness that will impress your guests. The hint of champagne adds a sophisticated twist, making them a unique and memorable dessert.

With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, these cupcakes are as enjoyable to bake as they are to eat. Whether you choose to add a sparkling garnish, experiment with different citrus flavors, or serve them alongside a classic mimosa, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead—bake a batch, share them with friends, and enjoy a taste of brunch in every bite! And don’t forget to let us know your favorite way to enjoy these delightful treats!