These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun and unique twist on a classic dessert. Infused with the sweet, fizzy flavor of grape soda, these cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and perfect for any celebration. With a burst of purple color and a delicious grape-flavored frosting, they’re sure to be the highlight of your next gathering.

Grape Soda Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a simple box of cake mix and turns it into something extraordinary. The addition of grape soda not only gives the cupcakes a unique flavor but also makes them incredibly moist and light. The vibrant purple color makes them fun and eye-catching, and the grape-flavored buttercream frosting adds the perfect sweet finishing touch. These cupcakes are playful, easy to make, and perfect for parties or just because!

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

4 egg whites (room temperature)
½ cup vegetable oil
1½ cups grape soda (like Grape Crush)
15.25 oz white cake mix
0.14 oz packet of unsweetened grape-flavored drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
4–6 drops purple gel food coloring

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
Purple sparkling sugar (optional garnish)

Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Prepare the cupcake batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, vegetable oil, and grape soda. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the cake mix and grape drink mix, stirring until smooth. Add the purple gel food coloring, if desired, and mix to get an even color.
Fill the cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, until smooth. Add purple gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade of purple.
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe the frosting on top using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Optionally, sprinkle with purple sparkling sugar for an extra touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes (for cooling)
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Different Soda Flavors: Experiment with other soda flavors, such as orange or cream soda, for a fun twist.
Diet Soda: For a lower-calorie version, use diet grape soda.
Gluten-Free: Swap the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Frosting Substitutes: Try cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, keep the cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without a cake mix?

Yes, you can make these cupcakes from scratch by using flour, sugar, baking powder, and the other ingredients in the recipe. Simply replace the cake mix with the dry ingredients and adjust for flavor.

Can I use a different soda flavor?

Absolutely! You can swap the grape soda for other soda flavors like orange or cream soda for a new taste.

Is food coloring necessary?

Food coloring is optional. It gives the cupcakes a vibrant purple look, but you can skip it if you prefer a more natural appearance.

How can I make the cupcakes purple without food coloring?

Using a grape-flavored drink mix, like Kool-Aid, will give the cupcakes a natural purple hue. However, the color might be more subtle than using food coloring.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting in advance. Store them separately and frost just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Conclusion

These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun, easy, and unique treat that adds a pop of color and flavor to any occasion. The light, airy texture and grape soda infusion make them irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for a party or simply craving something different, these cupcakes will definitely impress. Give them a try – you’ll love the fun, fizzy twist on a classic treat!