Name: Grape Soda Cupcakes with Purple Frosting and Sparkling Sugar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 egg whites, room temperature; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 ½ cup grape soda; 15.25 ounces white cake mix; 0.14 ounce unsweetened grape flavored drink mix; 4-6 drops purple gel food coloring; 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), 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)

Introduction

Grape Soda Cupcakes offer a fun and flavorful twist on classic cupcakes, combining the unique zest of grape soda with a moist white cake base. Topped with a creamy purple frosting and optional sparkling sugar, these cupcakes are perfect for parties or any occasion that calls for a vibrant, fruity treat.

A single purple cupcake with a thick, swirled layer of light purple frosting on top is shown in a white paper liner. The cupcake cake is a darker purple and textured, sitting on a white marbled surface. The frosting is decorated with small pink sugar crystals and has a purple and white striped paper straw inserted on one side. Around the cupcake are purple and white striped straws, some pink sugar crystals scattered on the surface, and a white bowl filled with pink sugar crystals. In the background, there is a purple drink can partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 egg whites, room temperature

½ cup vegetable oil

1 ½ cup grape soda

15.25 ounces white cake mix

.14 ounce unsweetened grape flavored drink mix

4-6 drops purple gel food color

1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a regular-sized muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, vegetable oil, and grape soda. Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed to mix until well combined.

Step 3: Lower the mixer speed to low. Add the cake mix and grape drink mix. Mix just until incorporated and the batter is a uniform color. For a deeper purple, add 2-3 drops of purple gel food coloring and mix until no streaks remain.

Step 4: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Start checking at 12 minutes as ovens vary. Remove cupcakes and cool on a wire rack completely.

Step 5: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with vanilla and almond extracts on medium-high speed for 1 to 1½ minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Lower mixer speed to low. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream, until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat until frosting is smooth and well combined.

Step 8: Lower mixer speed to medium and add purple gel food coloring drops. Mix until the color is uniform with no streaks.

Step 9: Fill a piping bag fitted with a shaped tip or a gallon ziplock bag with a corner snipped off with the frosting.

Step 10: Hold the bag tip about ½ inch above each cooled cupcake. Pipe the frosting in a steady spiral pattern.

Step 11: Sprinkle purple sparkling sugar on top for a festive finish and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, use fresh grape soda instead of diet or flat soda.

If you prefer a more intense grape flavor, add a small amount of grape extract to the frosting.

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the batter and frosting.

Try decorating with fresh grapes or edible glitter for a fun presentation.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. The frosting can be gently refreshed by stirring if it firms up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use regular soda instead of grape soda?

Yes, but the unique grape flavor is what makes these cupcakes special. Using a different soda will change the flavor profile significantly.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk or cream alternative in the frosting. Be sure to check that the powdered sugar does not contain bone char.