Description
Delightful purple cupcakes infused with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of grape soda, topped with a luscious grape-flavored frosting. A fun, vibrant dessert perfect for parties!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 4 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups grape soda (such as Grape Crush)
- 0.14-ounce packet unsweetened grape-flavored drink mix
- 4–6 drops purple gel food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4–6 drops purple gel food coloring
- Purple sparkling sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine egg whites, vegetable oil, and grape soda. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined.
- Add the white cake mix and grape drink mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until smooth. If a deeper purple hue is desired, add purple gel food coloring and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Fill each cupcake liner approximately 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with one tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat on low speed after each addition.
- Once all the powdered sugar and cream have been added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add purple gel food coloring and mix until the frosting reaches the desired shade.
3. Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag with your preferred tip to frost each cupcake.
- Sprinkle the tops with purple sparkling sugar for an extra touch.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of food coloring for a lighter or darker purple hue.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add a drop of grape extract to the frosting for an extra burst of grape flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American