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This creamy Butterbeerinspired drink brings a little magic from the Wizarding World straight into your home without any cooking involved. Combining fizzy cream soda with rich butter and caramel extracts, then topping it off with a luscious butterscotch whipped cream, this treat is perfect for movie nights or themed gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and captures those sweet, buttery flavors that make Butterbeer so beloved.
I first made this drink after visiting Universal Studios, and now it’s a musthave for our Harry Potter movie marathons. The creamy whipped topping combined with the sparkling soda always feels like a little celebration in a glass.
Ingredients
- Cream Soda: Choose a chilled, goodquality brand for its refreshing fizz and smooth vanilla notes
- Caramel Extract: Adds authentic buttery sweetness look for a pure extract in the baking aisle to avoid artificial flavors
- Butter Extract: Brings the rich buttery flavor essential to mimicking classic Butterbeer opt for a clear, highquality extract
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For a thick and fluffy topping use very fresh cream for best results and check the expiration date
- Butterscotch Topping: Infuses the whipped cream with sweet and buttery notes choose a smooth and pourable type
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping sift it first to avoid lumps
Instructions
- Prepare the Butterscotch Topping:
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the heavy cream on mediumhigh speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream stands up firmly without drooping when you lift the beaters. This step is key because it creates that signature foamy cap which makes Butterbeer special. Gently fold in the butterscotch topping and powdered sugar until the mixture is even and smooth, ready to top your drink nicely.
- Mix the Butterbeer Base:
- Pour two liters of chilled cream soda into a large pitcher. Add the caramel and butter extracts carefully and stir gently to infuse the soda with buttery and caramel sweetness. Stir slowly and avoid vigorous mixing so you do not lose the carbonation that makes the drink lively and fizzy.
- Pour and Top:
- Divide the soda mixture into clear glasses or traditional Butterbeer mugs, leaving some space at the top for the cream. Use a spoon or piping bag to dollop or pipe the chilled butterscotch cream topping over each glass. The way the fizzy soda meets the creamy cap is pure magic. Serve right away for the best experience enjoying bubbly and creamy textures together.
My favorite part of this recipe is definitely the butterscotch cream topping. The first time I made it, my kids loved it so much they nicknamed it Magic Cream. Those joyful little moments really make this recipe worth it.
Storage Tips
Butterbeer is best enjoyed fresh to keep the fizz and creamy texture intact. You can prepare the butterscotch topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just whip it briefly again before serving if it softens or loses stiffness. Keep the cream soda chilled until just before mixing, and do not store the mixed Butterbeer because the soda goes flat quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find butterscotch topping, try mixing homemade butterscotch syrup or caramel sauce lightly into whipped cream as an alternative. You can also skip the caramel and butter extracts by using flavored cream sodas such as butterscotch or vanilla cream soda for a simpler version that is still delicious. For a dairyfree option, substitute coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and a vegan butterscotch flavor instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Butterbeer in tall clear mugs or themed glassware to showcase the creamy topping and bubbly soda. Garnish with a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce on top for extra flair. This drink pairs wonderfully with buttery cookies or cinnamonspiced treats to complement the warm, sweet flavors. It is also great alongside festive Harry Potterinspired desserts.
Enjoy this sweet, fizzy Butterbeer at your next movie night for a touch of magic. It’s quick to make and sure to delight fans of all ages.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → Can the butterscotch cream topping be made ahead?
Yes, the whipped butterscotch cream can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Whip briefly before serving to restore stiffness.
- → What type of cream soda works best?
A classic sweet cream soda with vanilla notes complements the butter and caramel extracts perfectly, enhancing authentic flavor.
- → How can I substitute if I can't find butterscotch topping?
Use butterscotch syrup or caramel sauce mixed into whipped cream as a smooth, rich alternative to the topping.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped topping?
Yes, coconut cream or other plant-based whipping alternatives with powdered sugar and vegan butterscotch flavor create a similar airy topping.
- → How do the butter and caramel extracts affect the flavor?
These extracts provide creamy, buttery sweetness and depth, mimicking the iconic flavors from the original beverage.