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Grape Crush Cupcakes

These cheerful Grape Crush Cupcakes are soft and fluffy, tasting like a grape soda float, and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Ingredients
  • 1 cup grape soda Choose a flavor you enjoy to use in the cupcakes.
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar Sweetness that allows the grape flavor to shine.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter Use at room temperature for better mixing.
  • 2 large eggs Use at room temperature for better lift.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To round out the soda flavor.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder For rise and lightness.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness.
  • 1-2 drops purple gel food color Optional for that classic grape look.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter Beat until creamy.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Add more if frosting is too loose.
  • 1-2 tablespoons grape soda syrup To enhance flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon milk To loosen if needed.

Method
 

Make the Grape Soda Syrup
  1. Pour 1 cup grape soda into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Let it bubble until it reduces to about 1/3 cup and looks slightly thick and glossy. Cool to room temperature.
Mix the Batter
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with 12 liners.
  2. Cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  5. Mix in half the dry ingredients, then 1/3 cup cooled grape syrup and 1/4 cup grape soda, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
  6. Add 1 to 2 drops of purple gel color if desired.
Bake the Cupcakes
  1. Divide batter among liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake for 16 to 19 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  3. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melty frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat 1/2 cup butter until creamy, then add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons grape soda syrup, pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  2. Add milk if needed to loosen the frosting.
  3. Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes and top with a grape candy or lemon zest.

Notes

These cupcakes are forgiving; if you make a mistake, they will still turn out tasty!