Go Back
–+ servings
Vibrant Grape Soda Cupcakes frosted with buttercream and featuring a hidden marshmallow fluff core inside.

Grape Soda Cupcakes

Rebecca Blumer
These vibrant Grape Soda Cupcakes feature a nostalgic soda-shop flavor, a secret creamy core, and sweet grape buttercream. A fun, retro treat that is perfect for parties and guaranteed to impress!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cupcakes, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Piping bag

Ingredients
 

Cupcake Ingredients

  • 1 white cake mix
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 cups grape soda
  • grape Jello divided
  • Grape food coloring

Frosting Ingredients

  • 2 sticks salted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon half and half or whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons grape soda
  • Grape food coloring optional
  • Paper straws optional
  • Purple sanding sugar optional

Instructions
 

Prep and Build the Batter

  • Heat your oven to 350 degrees, then get a standard muffin tin ready with spray or cupcake liners so nothing sticks and the sides stay neat.
  • Pour the white cake mix into a large bowl, then add the vegetable oil and egg whites. Stream in the grape soda and mix on medium until the batter looks smooth and glossy, with no dry pockets hiding on the bottom.
  • Blend in 1/2 to 3/4 of the grape Jello, then add a little grape food coloring so the batter turns a clear, playful purple instead of looking grey.

Bake and Cool

  • Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners until each is about 2/3 full, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely to keep the frosting from melting.

Secret Core and Soda-Style Buttercream

  • Once cooled, gently core the center of each cupcake, just enough to make a small pocket. Fill that space with marshmallow fluff to mimic soda foam, then set the little cake plug back on top to hide the surprise.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for about 2 minutes until it looks lighter in color and feels fluffy.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, then add the remaining grape Jello so the butter smells sweet and grapey.
  • In a small cup, stir the half and half or milk together with the 2 tablespoons of grape soda first. This protects the buttercream frosting from breaking or curdling.
  • Beat in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, adding a splash of the milk and soda mixture between additions. Keep mixing for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns creamy and holds stiff peaks.
  • Tint with food coloring if you want a deeper purple, then load it into a piping bag and swirl the frosting high on each cupcake.
  • Finish with purple sanding sugar and a paper straw if desired for a classic soda-shop look.

Notes

Mixing Tip: Do not overmix the batter or beat it too aggressively, as the carbonation can escape rapidly and weaken the structure of the cupcakes.
Storage Strategy: Store unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly. If frosted, keep them in a covered container in the refrigerator, but let them sit at room temperature briefly to soften the buttercream before serving.
Decoration Advice: If using paper straws, insert them into the buttercream just 1 to 2 hours before guests arrive so they stay crisp and do not slump.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 45mgSugar: 46gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Grape Soda Cupcakes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!