Dessert

Grape Soda Cupcakes Recipe

ByAiden Wells November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

Grape Soda Cupcakes are a fun and flavorful twist on classic cupcakes, infused with the sweet, fizzy taste of grape soda. These cupcakes boast a vibrant purple color and a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with a creamy grape-flavored buttercream frosting. They are sure to be a hit at any celebration or just as a delightful treat.

The image shows a single cupcake with two main layers: the base is a deep purple cake texture inside a white pleated paper liner, and on top is a thick swirl of smooth, light purple frosting decorated with shiny pink sugar crystals. A purple-and-white striped paper straw is placed upright through the frosting near its peak. Surrounding the main cupcake are other similar cupcakes, a white bowl filled with pink sugar crystals, and a can of grape soda blurred in the background. The setting is on a white marbled surface, with a few scattered sugar crystals and extra purple-and-white striped straws lying nearby. 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
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 (for frosting)
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 white cake mix and unsweetened grape drink mix. Mix just until incorporated and the batter is uniformly colored. Add 2-3 drops of purple gel food coloring for a deeper purple, mixing until no streaks remain.
Step 4: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few crumbs. Check doneness starting at 12 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the vanilla and almond extract on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 to 1½ minutes.
Step 6: Lower mixer speed to low. Add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream, until all sugar is incorporated.
Step 7: Increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
Step 8: Reduce mixer speed to medium and add 4-6 drops of purple gel food coloring, mixing until the color is even with no visible streaks.
Step 9: Fill a piping bag fitted with a shaped tip, or a gallon-size ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, with the frosting.
Step 10: Hold the bag’s tip about ½ inch above each cooled cupcake and pipe frosting in a steady spiral.
Step 11: Optionally, sprinkle purple sparkling sugar on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense grape flavor, increase the unsweetened grape drink mix slightly or add a teaspoon of grape syrup to the batter.
Use clear grape soda for a lighter purple shade or a darker soda for richer color.
Swap almond extract with lemon extract for a slightly different, refreshing twist.
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by half and add more heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days; bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving. If refrigerated, the frosting may firm up slightly but can be softened by allowing cupcakes to sit at room temperature or by microwaving briefly on low power.

How to Serve

A single purple cupcake is shown with one bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, moist purple cake inside. The cupcake has two main layers: the bottom cake layer is a darker purple with a slightly rough texture, and the thick top layer is light purple frosting swirled in a smooth, wavy pattern with a peak in the center. Small, sparkly pink sugar crystals are scattered over the frosting and on the white cupcake liner beneath. The background is a white marbled surface with more purple cupcakes blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of grape soda?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavored sodas like cherry or lemon-lime, but this will change the cupcake’s flavor and color. Grape soda gives a unique flavor profile that pairs well with the frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

To make dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the frosting with a non-dairy margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Also, check the cake mix and other ingredients for any hidden dairy components.