These Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun and flavorful tribute to childhood favorites, blending the bold, fizzy essence of grape soda into soft, fluffy cupcakes topped with a vibrant purple frosting. Perfect for birthdays, pool parties, or anytime you want to bring some playful color and flavor to the dessert table, this recipe is as simple as it is eye-catching.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cupcakes offer more than just good looks. They’re packed with unmistakable grape soda flavor, have a tender white cake base, and are crowned with a grape-infused buttercream that’s both creamy and bright. Using boxed cake mix keeps things easy, while the addition of grape Jello and soda adds a punch of nostalgic, fruity flavor. They’re festive, unique, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cupcake Batter:
- white cake mix
- vegetable oil
- egg whites
- grape soda
- grape Jello (½ to ¾ of a package)
- grape food coloring (optional)
For the Grape Frosting:
- salted butter, softened
- vanilla extract
- salt
- powdered sugar
- half-and-half or whole milk
- grape soda
- remaining grape Jello
- grape food coloring (optional)
Optional Decorations:
- purple sanding sugar
- paper straws (cut into thirds)
Directions
Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and grape soda. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add ½ to ¾ of the grape Jello to the batter and mix again. If desired, add a few drops of grape food coloring for a more vibrant purple color.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Grape Frosting:
7. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
8. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and the remaining grape Jello. Mix to combine.
9. In a separate small bowl, stir together the grape soda and milk or half-and-half. This helps avoid curdling when combining with butter.
10. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of the soda/milk mixture. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, and stiff peaks form.
11. Add a few drops of grape food coloring to intensify the purple, if desired. Mix until evenly colored.
Decorate the Cupcakes:
12. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
13. Garnish with purple sanding sugar and insert a small paper straw for a playful touch.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 166 kcal
Variations
- Mini Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes.
- Grape Cream Filling: Hollow out the center and fill with grape jam or whipped cream for added surprise.
- Soda Switch: Try orange soda and orange Jello for a different twist using the same base recipe.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use diet grape soda and sugar-free Jello for a slightly lighter version.
- No Food Coloring: Skip the dye for a naturally soft purple hue from the Jello and soda.
storage/reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
If not serving within 24 hours, refrigerate the cupcakes to keep the frosting fresh and firm.
Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving.
Frosted cupcakes do not require reheating and are best served cool or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of soda?
Yes, but for this recipe’s signature taste, grape soda is essential. Variations like orange or strawberry soda can be substituted for a twist.
Why use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Egg whites keep the cake light in color, allowing the purple to shine and creating a fluffier texture.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost the next day. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist.
How can I intensify the grape flavor?
Use the full amount of grape Jello and choose a strong-flavored grape soda for bold results.
Can I use unsalted butter for the frosting?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the recipe to balance the sweetness.
Will the soda make the batter too runny?
No, the soda helps aerate the batter. Just don’t exceed the recommended amount.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the Jello and soda give a faint purple tint, though it won’t be as vibrant.
How long do they keep?
They’re best within 2–3 days but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, unfrosted cupcakes freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before frosting.
What’s the best way to frost them neatly?
Use a piping bag with a large round or star tip for professional-looking swirls.
Conclusion
Best Grape Soda Cupcakes are a playful, purple treat bursting with nostalgic flavor and fun presentation. With their soft texture, tangy grape kick, and colorful finish, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit at any celebration. Whether you’re baking for kids, hosting a themed party, or just indulging your inner child, this recipe is a sweet reminder that baking should be as fun as it is delicious.
PrintBest Grape Soda Cupcakes
Fun, fluffy white cupcakes bursting with bold grape soda flavor and topped with vibrant purple grape frosting. These eye-catching treats are perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you want a playful, nostalgic dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cupcake Batter:
- 1 box white cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
- 1¼ to 1¾ cups grape soda
- ½ to ¾ package grape Jello (divided use)
- Grape food coloring (optional)
- Grape Frosting:
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 tbsp grape soda
- Remaining grape Jello
- Grape food coloring (optional)
- Optional Decorations:
- Purple sanding sugar
- Paper straws (cut into thirds)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 24-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and grape soda until well incorporated.
- Add ½–¾ of the grape Jello and stir to combine. Add grape food coloring if desired for a bolder purple color.
- Fill each cupcake liner ⅔ full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and the remaining grape Jello.
- In a small bowl, combine grape soda and half-and-half or milk.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, alternating with small amounts of the soda/milk blend. Beat until frosting is fluffy and holds stiff peaks.
- Add grape food coloring if desired, one drop at a time, until the desired color is achieved.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with purple sanding sugar and insert a paper straw for a fun, soda-fountain look.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more intense purple hue without thinning the frosting.
- Don’t overmix the frosting—stop once stiff peaks form to keep the texture stable.
- Refrigerate frosted cupcakes if not serving within 24 hours, and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- These cupcakes are a great make-ahead dessert for parties and potlucks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 166 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg