Name: Grape Soda Cupcakes Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 egg whites (room temperature) ½ cup vegetable oil 1½ cup grape soda (I used Grape Crush brand) 1; 5.25 ounces white cake mix (I used Pilsbury brand); .14 ounce packet unsweetened grape flavored drink mix (I used Kool-Aid brand) 4-6 drops purple gel food color (I used Sunny Side Up Bakery brand, Regal Purple) 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 brand, Regal Purple) Purple sparkling sugar (optional garnish, you can also use purple sanding sugar)

These delectable Grape Soda Cupcakes combine the nostalgic flavor of grape soda with fluffy cake and creamy frosting. The vibrant purple color and sweet grape taste make these cupcakes perfect for birthday parties, special occasions, or whenever you want a fun and unique dessert that will impress both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique flavor profile that transforms a classic beverage into a delightful dessert
Vibrant purple color that makes these cupcakes visually stunning
Simple preparation using readily available ingredients
Perfect balance of sweetness with a distinct grape flavor
Versatile recipe that can be adapted for various occasions
Great make-ahead option for parties and gatherings
Fun alternative to traditional cupcake flavors

Ingredients

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

Egg whites provide structure and lightness to the cupcakes, helping them achieve that perfect fluffy texture. Using just the whites creates a more delicate crumb and allows the grape flavor to shine through.

Vegetable oil keeps these cupcakes moist and tender, even days after baking. It creates a softer texture than butter would in this recipe and lets the grape flavor take center stage.

Grape soda is the star ingredient that gives these cupcakes their distinctive flavor. The carbonation in the soda helps the cupcakes rise and creates tiny air pockets for a lighter texture. Choose a brand with strong grape flavor for the best results.

White cake mix serves as the convenient base for these cupcakes, providing consistent results. The neutral flavor allows the grape elements to shine through without competition.

Unsweetened grape flavored drink mix intensifies the grape flavor and adds that authentic punch of grape that makes these cupcakes special. It also enhances the color naturally.

Purple gel food color gives these cupcakes their eye-catching appearance. Gel coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you’ll need less to achieve that beautiful purple hue.

Salted butter forms the base of the buttercream frosting, providing richness and a creamy texture. The slight saltiness helps balance the sweetness of the frosting.

Vanilla extract adds depth to the frosting, complementing the grape flavor without overpowering it. It’s a classic addition that rounds out the flavor profile.

Almond extract provides a subtle complexity to the frosting that pairs surprisingly well with the grape flavor. Just a small amount enhances the overall taste experience.

Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the buttercream frosting. Sifting it first prevents lumps for a perfectly smooth frosting.

Heavy cream creates a silky, spreadable consistency in the buttercream. It allows you to adjust the thickness of your frosting to achieve the perfect piping consistency.

Purple sparkling sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and a bit of crunch to contrast with the soft frosting. This optional garnish elevates the presentation from homemade to professional-looking.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
Add vegetable oil, grape soda, white cake mix, grape drink mix, and purple food color. Mix until well combined.
Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
For the buttercream frosting, cream the softened butter until smooth in a mixing bowl.
Add vanilla extract, almond extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Mix until creamy.
Add purple food coloring and mix until desired color is achieved.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe onto the cooled cupcakes in a decorative swirl.
Sprinkle purple sparkling sugar on top of the frosted cupcakes for a sparkly finish.
Serve and enjoy your delightful Grape Soda Cupcakes with a burst of grape flavor in every bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 cupcakes, making it perfect for small gatherings or family desserts. The preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of baking time, bringing the total time to about 50 minutes. Each cupcake contains approximately 250 calories.

Variations

Grape Soda Float Cupcakes: Top each frosted cupcake with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving for a dessert inspired by a grape soda float.

Mixed Berry Soda Cupcakes: Substitute half of the grape soda with another berry-flavored soda like raspberry or blueberry for a complex berry flavor.

Sparkling Grape Cupcakes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of edible glitter to the batter for cupcakes that sparkle inside and out.

Grape Jelly Filled: Core the center of each baked and cooled cupcake and fill with grape jelly before frosting for a surprise filling.

Lemon-Grape Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist that complements the grape flavor beautifully.

Grape-Vanilla Marble Cupcakes: Divide the batter in half, adding the grape flavoring to only one portion. Swirl the two batters together in each cupcake liner for a marbled effect.

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The moisture from the grape soda helps them stay fresh.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: Place frosted cupcakes in the freezer uncovered until the frosting is firm (about 1 hour), then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frosting Storage: Extra buttercream frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.

FAQs

Can I use grape juice instead of grape soda?

Grape juice can be used as a substitute, but you’ll lose some of the lightness that the carbonation provides. If using juice, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the batter to help maintain the fluffy texture.

How can I make these cupcakes without artificial coloring?

For a natural alternative, you can use purple food coloring derived from vegetables like purple sweet potato or butterfly pea flower tea. These natural options may produce a more subtle color but will avoid artificial ingredients.

Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?

Cupcakes typically sink when they’re underbaked or when the oven door is opened too early in the baking process. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the door during the first 15 minutes of baking.

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

Absolutely! This batter works well as a 9-inch round cake or a 9×13 sheet cake. For a round cake, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, and for a sheet cake, 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes without a cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix these dry ingredients together before combining with the wet ingredients.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time for a party?

These cupcakes are perfect for make-ahead preparation. Bake the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting a day ahead and refrigerate. Bring the frosting to room temperature, rewhip if necessary, and frost the cupcakes the day of your event.

Why use almond extract in the frosting?

The small amount of almond extract adds a subtle complexity that enhances the grape flavor. If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use it, simply omit it or replace with an additional 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

How can I ensure my buttercream is the right consistency for piping?

The perfect piping consistency is smooth but still holds its shape. If your buttercream is too thick, add more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the egg whites with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for each egg white. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I achieve the best grape flavor?

For the most pronounced grape flavor, use a strongly flavored grape soda and make sure to include the grape drink mix powder. You can also boost the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of grape extract or essence to the batter if available.

Conclusion

These Grape Soda Cupcakes offer a unique and delightful twist on traditional cupcakes, bringing the nostalgic flavor of grape soda to a beloved dessert form. With their vibrant purple color and sweet grape taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of the fluffy, grape-infused cake and the creamy buttercream frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re making these for a birthday party, special occasion, or just as a fun weekend baking project, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and requests for the recipe. The simplicity of preparation paired with their impressive appearance makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Give these Grape Soda Cupcakes a try, and you might just find yourself with a new signature dessert that everyone asks for by name!

Grape Soda Cupcakes Delight