Grape Crush Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic treat to bring a smile to everyone’s face, these Grape Crush Cupcakes are the answer! Imagine biting into a light, fluffy cupcake with a sweet, tangy burst of grape flavor that tastes just like the beloved Grape Crush soda. It’s like taking a sip of your favorite fizzy drink, but in cupcake form. How fun is that? These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, summer gatherings, or whenever you just want to have a little fun in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and packed with that vibrant grape flavor. Top them off with a creamy, dreamy grape-flavored frosting and a sprinkle of fizz-inspired sugar, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s as cute as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love Grape Crush Cupcakes

Here’s why you’ll be going back for seconds:

Fun and Unique

These cupcakes are playful and so different from your typical dessert. The Grape Crush soda adds a fun twist that’s sure to make them the highlight of any party.

Light and Fluffy

The cupcakes are light, moist, and fluffy—everything you want in a cupcake. They have just the right balance of sweetness and a subtle tangy grape flavor that’s never overpowering.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not a baking pro, you’ll have no problem whipping up these cupcakes. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or just a random Tuesday, these Grape Crush Cupcakes will make any day feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients in Grape Crush Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:

  • All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cupcakes, giving them that light, airy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps make the cupcakes tender.
  • Baking Powder: For lift and fluffiness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
  • Grape Crush Soda: The secret ingredient that gives these cupcakes their signature grape flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the overall flavor.

For the Grape Frosting:

  • Butter: Provides the rich, creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Grape Crush Soda: Adds that iconic grape flavor to the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
  • Purple Food Coloring: Optional, but adds a fun purple hue to match the flavor and make the cupcakes even more playful.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these awesome Grape Crush Cupcakes? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract together. Add the grape soda to the wet ingredients, then slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Grape Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the grape soda a little at a time, beating until smooth and creamy. If you want a pop of color, add a drop or two of purple food coloring and mix until well combined.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the grape frosting. You can use a piping bag for a fancy swirl or simply spread the frosting with a knife for a more rustic look.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Grape Crush Cupcakes to friends and family and watch their faces light up with delight. These cupcakes are sure to be the life of any party!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 140mg
Total Carbohydrate: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4%
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 70mg

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Grape Crush Cupcakes

With a Cold Drink

Pair these cupcakes with a cold glass of Grape Crush soda (or any drink you prefer) for the full grape flavor experience. It’s the ultimate sweet and refreshing combo!

At Parties and Gatherings

These cupcakes are perfect for any event. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a barbecue, or a casual family get-together, these Grape Crush Cupcakes will definitely stand out.

For a Fun Snack

Treat yourself to a cupcake with your afternoon tea or coffee. They’re just the right amount of sweetness to brighten up your day.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead

You can make these cupcakes a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Add the frosting right before serving for the best texture.

Customize the Flavor

While Grape Crush is amazing, you can experiment with different soda flavors to create your own unique cupcakes. Try using Orange Crush or Cherry Pepsi for a fun twist!

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cupcakes without soda?

A1: If you don’t have Grape Crush, you can use a grape juice concentrate, but the texture might change slightly. You’ll still get that fruity flavor!

Q2: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can make the frosting a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before frosting your cupcakes.

Q3: Can I freeze these cupcakes?

A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing, and frost them after thawing.

Q4: How do I make the frosting thicker?

A4: If you prefer thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Q5: Can I use a different soda flavor for the cupcakes?

A5: Yes! Feel free to try other soda flavors like Orange Crush, Cherry Soda, or even Sprite for a unique twist.

Q6: How can I get the frosting to look more professional?

A6: Use a piping bag with your favorite tip for a pretty swirl on top of each cupcake. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or candy on top for extra flair.

Q7: What should I do if my cupcakes rise unevenly?

A7: Make sure you’re filling each cupcake liner evenly, about two-thirds full. If they still bake unevenly, try rotating the pan halfway through baking.

Q8: Can I make mini cupcakes instead?

A8: Yes! Just reduce the baking time to around 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.

Q9: Can I make the batter the night before?

A9: It’s best to bake the cupcakes fresh, but you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours if necessary.

Q10: How can I add more grape flavor?

A10: If you want a stronger grape flavor, try adding a bit of grape extract to the batter and frosting. It’s an easy way to amp up the flavor!

Conclusion

These Grape Crush Cupcakes are a whimsical and delicious treat that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With their soft, moist texture and sweet grape flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating or just indulging in something fun. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and treat yourself to these fun, fizzy, and flavorful cupcakes!

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Grape Crush Cupcakes


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These Grape Crush Cupcakes are a fun and fruity twist on traditional cupcakes! Infused with the vibrant flavor of Grape Crush soda, these cupcakes are soft, moist, and bursting with a sweet, tangy grape flavor. Topped with a creamy grape-flavored frosting, they’re a perfect treat for any celebration or whenever you’re craving something sweet and unique!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Grape Crush soda
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (115g) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Grape Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp Grape Crush soda (adjust for consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Pan:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter:
    In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, Grape Crush soda, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Bake the Cupcakes:
    Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Grape Frosting:
    In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the Grape Crush soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more Grape Crush soda to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Frost the Cupcakes:
    Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the grape frosting onto each cupcake.
  6. Serve:
    Enjoy your delicious, grape-flavored cupcakes! These are perfect for a fun and fruity dessert!

Notes

  • For a fun garnish, you can top the cupcakes with a small piece of candy, like a grape-flavored candy or sprinkles.
  • If you want a more intense grape flavor, you can add a few drops of grape extract to the frosting.
  • The frosting can be tinted with a few drops of purple food coloring to give it a more vibrant look.
  • You can also make mini cupcakes by reducing the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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