I didn’t plan on turning grape soda into cupcakes. But one day, standing in my kitchen with a can of Grape Crush and a cake mix, I thought—why not? The result was soft, colorful, and instantly nostalgic.
This Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe brings that same playful energy every time. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds me of childhood summers, purple-stained lips, and quick fixes that somehow feel like magic.
It’s not complicated. It’s not perfect. But it’s fun, fast, and guaranteed to make someone smile.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Steps
Ingredients You’ll Need Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe
Cupcake Batter:
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups grape soda
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 0.14 oz packet unsweetened grape drink mix
- 4–6 drops purple gel food coloring (optional)
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 4–6 drops purple gel food coloring
- Purple sparkling sugar (optional)
Craving more bright, party-perfect cupcakes? You’ll also love these Heavenly Boston Cream Cupcakes for something creamy, or try the nostalgic twist of a Summer Strawberry Candy Shake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Oven
Preheat to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. - Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites, oil, and grape soda. Mix on medium-low until combined.
Lower speed, then mix in cake mix and grape drink powder until fully blended. Add food coloring if you’d like a deeper purple.
- Bake
Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. Let cool on a wire rack. - Make the Frosting
Beat softened butter with vanilla and almond extract until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and cream gradually. Mix until smooth and light. Add food coloring last and stir until evenly colored.
- Frost & Garnish
Pipe frosting in swirls over cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with purple sugar. Done!
Looking for more easy desserts with bold colors? You might also enjoy the Choco Chill Cheesecake Ice Cream Bliss or these No-Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Oat Clusters for fuss-free sweetness.
Texture & Baking Tips
How to Nail That Soft, Moist Crumb
The secret to a tender Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe lies in balance—and grape soda delivers it perfectly. The carbonation adds lightness, while the oil keeps the crumb soft and moist. It’s a clever shortcut that skips the need for butter or milk.
A few key tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stop as soon as it’s smooth and purple.
- Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. You want a few moist crumbs on the toothpick—not a clean stick.
- Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting so your buttercream doesn’t melt.
These steps help you get that just-right bite: fluffy, not dry, and totally bakery-worthy.
Color & Flavor That Pops
This Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe is all about bold color and nostalgic flavor. The drink mix and food coloring give it that signature grape hue, but don’t overdo it—4 to 6 drops is plenty.
Want to dress them up? Try edible glitter or swirl in multiple shades of purple frosting for a fun party look. These are perfect for birthdays or themed celebrations, much like the vibrant Ocean Blue Pina Colada or Pink Lemonade Gelatin Shots—they look as fun as they taste.Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe.
Serving, Storage & Custom Ideas
How to Serve Grape Crush Cupcakes for Fun Events
These Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe were made to be shown off. With their bright purple swirl and glittery sugar top, they practically scream birthday party, bake sale, or girl’s night in. Serve them on a white tray to make the color pop, or pair them with a matching grape soda float for an extra splash of fun.
Want to create a full dessert table? Add bold pairings like the Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Twinkies or a chilled Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting dip. It’ll be a candy-colored dream spread.Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe.
Storage, Freezing & Flavor Swaps
Store Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.
Want to get creative? This recipe works beautifully with other sodas too:
- Orange soda for a creamsicle twist
- Strawberry soda for a bubblegum-pink version
- Even root beer for a fun vanilla-float cupcake
Just swap the soda and drink mix, and you’ve got a whole new flavor to play with.Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe.
For more recipes follow me in pinterest and Facebook
FAQs Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe
Is Grape Crush still made?
Yes! Grape Crush is still widely available in most grocery stores and convenience chains. It’s a classic soda with a bold, sweet grape flavor that works perfectly in this Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe. Look for it in the soda aisle or near nostalgic soft drinks.
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
Moisture comes from fat, liquid, and careful baking. This Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe uses grape soda and oil to lock in moisture, while avoiding overmixing and overbaking keeps them soft and springy. Always check cupcakes early so they don’t dry out.
Does Grape Crush have caffeine or sugar?
Grape Crush is typically caffeine-free but does contain sugar unless you use a diet version. That sweetness helps build flavor in the batter, making it a fun way to flavor cupcakes without adding extra extracts.
Is there Red 40 in Grape Crush?
Yes, most versions of Grape Crush include food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 to achieve the bright purple color. If you’re concerned about dyes, opt for natural soda alternatives or reduce the food coloring in the frosting.
Conclusion Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe
This Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe isn’t just a treat—it’s a little piece of joy you can whip up in minutes. It’s colorful, playful, and bursting with grape flavor in the best way. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want something fun and different, these cupcakes are guaranteed to stand out.
They’re proof that with a few shortcuts and a little imagination, even a soda can turn into something magical. So grab that grape soda, preheat your oven, and get ready to bring some purple-powered sweetness into your kitchen.Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe.
Print
Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe – Fun, Moist, and Vibrant Party Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, colorful cupcakes made with grape soda and topped with purple buttercream. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or anytime fun.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
4 egg whites, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
1½ cups grape soda
1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
0.14 oz packet unsweetened grape drink mix
4–6 drops purple gel food coloring (optional)
Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
4–6 drops purple gel food coloring
Purple sparkling sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, combine egg whites, oil, and grape soda. Mix until smooth.
3. Add cake mix and drink powder. Mix gently. Add food coloring if desired.
4. Spoon batter into liners, filling ⅔ full. Bake 12–15 min. Cool completely.
5. Beat butter with extracts until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and cream gradually.
6. Add food coloring to frosting and mix until smooth.
7. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with purple sugar and serve.
Notes
Check doneness early to avoid dry cupcakes.
Store frosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
You can swap grape soda with orange or strawberry for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Grape Crush Cupcake Recipe, grape soda cupcakes, fun party cupcake
