1-Start by reducing the butterscotch beer or cream soda, which takes about 20-30 minutes and adds a deep flavor that’s worth the effort.

2-First, simmer 3 cups of butterscotch beer or cream soda over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Let it cool a bit before using. This step is crucial as it concentrates the taste and keeps the batter from getting too wet.

3-Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your cupcake pans with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

4-Mixing the Batter In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated white sugar until fluffy. This usually takes 1-2 minutes with an electric mixer.

5-Add 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract, and 1 teaspoon butter extract, mixing until the color lightens, about 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in the reduced butterscotch mixture and 1/3 cup melted, cooled butterscotch chips.

6-Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup room temperature buttermilk to the wet mix, stirring until smooth. Divide the batter into 24 liners, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 14-18 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

7-Making the Frosting and Ganache For the buttercream, whip 1 1/2 cups softened unsalted butter until pale and fluffy, about 5-10 minutes. Add 1 cup melted, cooled butterscotch chips, then gradually mix in 2 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar, followed by 3/4 teaspoon butter extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

8-To prepare the ganache, combine 1/4 cup butterscotch chips and 1 tablespoon heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30-45 seconds and stir until smooth, then mix in 1/2 tablespoon honey. If it thickens, warm it briefly.

9-Once the cupcakes cool, pipe on the buttercream and drizzle with ganache. The whole process takes about 45 minutes prep and 15 minutes cook time, making it a fun activity for Harry Potter recipes fans.