Baking has a magical way of connecting me with memories, especially when I experiment with bold new flavors. The other day, while wandering through the grocery store aisles, I spotted a bright purple can of Grape Crush soda.
It reminded me of summers spent sipping fizzy, fruity sodas by the pool—those carefree days full of sunshine and laughter. I thought, “What better way to bring that childhood nostalgia to life than in cupcake form?” So, I took a leap and combined that sweet, sparkling soda with a simple white cake mix.
The result? These Grape Crush Cupcakes, a delightful treat that’s not just fun to make, but delicious to taste. The soda infuses the cupcakes with a subtle grape flavor that’s both refreshing and nostalgic, while the frosting is like a creamy dream come true.
These cupcakes aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. They’re fun, easy to make, and will put a smile on anyone’s face, especially those who love a little pop of color and flavor!
Short Description
These Grape Crush Cupcakes are an exciting twist on a classic treat, combining the fizzy sweetness of grape soda with a soft, fluffy cake and creamy, purple-hued frosting. Perfect for parties or an everyday indulgence!
Key Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup Grape Crush soda
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring (optional)
For the Grape Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Grape Crush soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring (optional)
Tools Needed
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Prepare the cupcake batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, Grape Crush soda, vegetable oil, egg whites, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Fill the cupcake liners
Distribute the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 4: Bake the cupcakes
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the cupcakes
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them.
Step 6: Make the frosting
While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the Grape Crush soda, vanilla extract, and food coloring (optional). Beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with the grape frosting. Add sprinkles or a cherry on top if desired for an extra pop of fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique flavor: The Grape Crush soda adds a sweet and slightly tangy twist, making these cupcakes stand out from the crowd.
Moist and fluffy: The soda helps create a light and airy texture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Simple to make: With just a few ingredients, these cupcakes come together easily, perfect for bakers of any level.
Fun presentation: The purple frosting and optional food coloring make these cupcakes visually striking and ideal for special occasions.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overmixing the batter:
Mixing too vigorously can make your cupcakes dense. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
2. Underbaking the cupcakes:
If your cupcakes aren’t fully baked, they will sink in the center. Always test with a toothpick and bake until it comes out clean.
3. Too runny frosting:
If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a thicker, spreadable consistency.
4. Not allowing cupcakes to cool fully:
Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting for the best results.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve: These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or casual gatherings. Serve them on a colorful platter for a cheerful look.
Pairing: They pair beautifully with a cold glass of Grape Crush soda or a chilled fruit punch for a fun, themed treat.
Serving Style: Display them on a tiered cake stand or a simple platter for a charming, vintage-inspired look.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cupcakes, gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. However, the frosting will soften, so it’s best served at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different soda flavor for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other sodas, like orange or cherry, to create different flavor profiles.
2. How can I make the frosting fluffier?
Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature and beat it well before adding the powdered sugar to achieve a light and airy frosting.
3. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and frost the cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
4. Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Yes, you can use whole eggs, but egg whites help keep the cupcakes lighter and fluffier.
5. How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter in the frosting with a dairy-free version and use a dairy-free cake mix.
Tips & Tricks
For a pop of texture: Add some sprinkles or crushed grape candies on top of the frosting for a fun texture contrast.
Don’t overfill the cupcake liners: Fill them about 2/3 full to ensure even baking and prevent overflowing.
Enhance the grape flavor: For a stronger grape taste, add a teaspoon of grape extract to the batter.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free Version:
Use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your powdered sugar is gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version:
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use non-dairy butter in the frosting for a vegan-friendly treat.
Grape Jelly Cupcakes:
Swap out some of the frosting for a spoonful of grape jelly in the center of each cupcake for a surprise inside!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how these Grape Crush Cupcakes turned out—they’re playful, vibrant, and have a nostalgic charm to them. Baking with soda is a fun way to add a new layer of flavor without complicating things.
The combination of a soft, moist cake with sweet and tangy grape frosting is irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative with colors or toppings—these cupcakes are all about fun! If you love experimenting with flavors and textures, I definitely recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Grape Crush Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box white cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1 cup Grape Crush soda
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring optional
For the Grape Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Grape Crush soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix, Grape Crush soda, vegetable oil, egg whites, vanilla extract, and food coloring (optional). Whisk until smooth.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in Grape Crush soda, vanilla extract, and food coloring (optional). Beat until fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the grape frosting.
