Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grape Crush Cupcakes are a fun, fruity dessert that brings the nostalgic flavor of grape soda into a moist, fluffy cupcake topped with vibrant grape frosting. Perfect for birthday parties, themed events, or anytime you want to surprise your guests with a unique twist, these cupcakes combine whimsy with deliciousness. The eye-catching purple hue and fizzy soda-inspired taste make them an unforgettable treat.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsalted buttereggsgrape soda (like Grape Crush)baking powdervanilla extractsaltpowdered sugargrape flavoring or drink mix (optional for intensified flavor)purple food coloring (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Stir in the vanilla extract and grape soda.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, grape flavoring or drink mix, and a splash of grape soda. Mix until fluffy and smooth.

Add purple food coloring if desired, then pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 18-20 minutesCooling and frosting time: 20 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Use lemon-lime soda for a different twist with a citrusy flair.

Add sprinkles or candy toppings for festive flair.

Fill the cupcakes with grape jelly for an extra burst of flavor.

Swap the grape soda for orange or strawberry to make other soda-inspired versions.

Use a boxed white cake mix and replace the water with grape soda for a shortcut.

storage/reheating

Store Grape Crush Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.To freeze, place unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 2 months.Thaw and frost before serving for best results.

FAQs

Do these cupcakes really taste like grape soda?

Yes, the soda adds both flavor and moisture, giving them a fun fizzy-fruit taste.

Can I use diet grape soda?

Yes, but the flavor and sweetness may be slightly different.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, it’s optional and used mainly for the classic purple hue.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, just reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

What frosting works best?

A grape-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs well.

Can I use a different soda?

Absolutely, this recipe adapts well to other fruit sodas.

How do I intensify the grape flavor?

Add grape drink mix or grape extract to both the batter and frosting.

Are these good for kids’ parties?

Yes, they’re colorful, sweet, and perfectly portioned for little hands.

Can I make them vegan?

Substitute with plant-based butter, soda, and egg replacer for a vegan version.

Do I need a mixer?

It helps, but you can also mix by hand with a whisk and spatula.

Conclusion

Grape Crush Cupcakes bring a playful twist to traditional cupcakes with their soda-infused flavor and bold color. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want to enjoy a nostalgic, grape-flavored treat, these cupcakes are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Bake a batch and taste the fun of grape soda in cupcake form!