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Grape Soda Cupcakes

Light, fluffy cupcakes bursting with nostalgic grape soda flavor, perfect for quick and fun treats or parties.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Batter
  • 4 egg whites egg whites room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1.5 cups grape soda
  • 1 box white cake mix 15.25 oz box
  • 1 packet unsweetened grape drink mix
  • 4-6 drops purple gel food coloring for batter
Buttercream Frosting
  • salted butter softened
  • vanilla extract
  • almond extract
  • powdered sugar sifted
  • heavy cream
  • to taste purple gel food coloring to match cupcake color
Optional Garnish
  • purple sparkling or sanding sugar for topping

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat egg whites, vegetable oil, and grape soda until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Slowly add white cake mix and unsweetened grape drink mix while mixing at low speed until smooth and evenly colored. Add purple gel food coloring a few drops at a time to reach desired shade.
  4. Step 4: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full, taking care not to overfill.
  5. Step 5: Bake for about 15 minutes, starting to check at 12 minutes with a toothpick. When toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, cupcakes are done. Let cool completely.
  6. Step 6: While cupcakes cool, beat softened salted butter with vanilla and almond extracts until light and fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
  7. Step 7: Mix purple gel food coloring into frosting until vibrant and smooth.
  8. Step 8: Pipe or spread frosting generously on cooled cupcakes. Optionally, sprinkle purple sparkling or sanding sugar on top for a festive touch.

Notes

Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for lighter cupcakes. Avoid overmixing after adding cake mix to prevent density. Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for longer storage; bring to room temperature before serving. For variations, swap half the grape soda for milk or almond milk, or try different grape drink flavors. Add cream cheese or lemon zest to frosting for a twist. Fresh grapes or edible flowers make stunning garnishes.