Grape Soda Cupcakes

These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun, fizzy twist on traditional cupcakes, infused with grape soda for a bubbly, fruity flavor. Topped with a vibrant purple buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are as colorful as they are delicious. Perfect for any celebration or when you want to add some whimsy to your dessert spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who doesn’t love the unique combination of a fizzy, fruity soda and a fluffy cupcake? These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun and refreshing take on the classic, bursting with the sweet, tangy taste of grape soda in every bite. The purple buttercream frosting adds a pop of color and sweetness, making these cupcakes visually stunning as well as delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a playful treat, these cupcakes are sure to steal the show!

Ingredients

For the Cupcake Batter:

• 4 egg whites (room temperature)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1½ cups grape soda (I used Grape Crush)

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (I used Pillsbury)

• 0.14 ounce packet unsweetened grape-flavored drink mix (I used Kool-Aid)

• 4-6 drops purple gel food color (I used Sunny Side Up Bakery Regal Purple)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

• 4-6 drops purple gel food coloring (I used Sunny Side Up Bakery Regal Purple)

• Purple sparkling sugar (optional garnish, or you can use purple sanding sugar)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a regular-sized muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), add the egg whites, vegetable oil, and grape soda. Mix with a handheld mixer on medium-low speed until well combined.

3. Lower the mixer speed to low and add the cake mix and grape drink mix. Mix until just incorporated and the batter is a uniform color. For a deeper purple, add 2-3 drops of purple gel food coloring. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and streak-free.

4. Fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs. Start checking the cupcakes at the 12-minute mark, as oven times can vary.

5. Carefully remove the cupcakes from the muffin tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a stand mixer (or using a large mixing bowl and handheld mixer), beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract for 1-1½ minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and well-combined.

3. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix until the frosting is fully smooth. Add the purple gel food coloring and mix until the color is uniform.

4. Fill a disposable piping bag fitted with a shaped tip (or a gallon-size ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) with the frosting.

5. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a spiral pattern, starting from the outer edge.

6. Garnish with purple sparkling sugar or sanding sugar for an extra touch of sparkle and fun.

Serving:

Serve the cupcakes and enjoy these sweet, bubbly treats! They’re perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cupcakes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Rest Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda flavor for this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out the grape soda for another flavor, like orange soda or strawberry soda, for a fun variation on this recipe. Just be sure to choose a soda that complements the flavor of the cake mix.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Just follow the instructions on the gluten-free mix and use the rest of the ingredients as listed.

Can I make the cupcakes without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is optional. If you prefer a more natural look, simply skip the food coloring, and your cupcakes will still taste delicious.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness in the frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar by 1/2 to 1 cup. You can also add a little more heavy cream to help thin out the frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, these cupcakes can be made in advance. Bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frost the cupcakes the day you’re ready to serve them for the best texture.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

The cupcakes are done when the tops are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can dry out quickly.

Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?

Yes, you can! Simply use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use regular Kool-Aid drink mix instead of grape-flavored?

Yes, you can use any flavor of Kool-Aid drink mix. Just be sure to adjust the soda flavor accordingly to match your choice of drink mix.

Conclusion

These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun and unique treat that will surely make any event more exciting. With their fizzy, fruity flavor and vibrant purple buttercream, they’re perfect for anyone who loves fun, colorful desserts. These cupcakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a party, a picnic, or simply enjoying a sweet afternoon treat!

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