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Grape cupcakes with fun flavor

Featured in Bake Something Special.

Grape Crush Cupcakes are a fun, quick dessert perfect for any occasion. These cupcakes feature an easy-to-make batter combining vanilla cake mix and grape soda for a unique twist. The frosting is a delightful combination of grape jelly and creamy butter, creating an irresistibly fruity topping. The recipe is beginner-friendly—taking around 30 minutes—and yields fluffy, flavorful cupcakes that will delight kids and adults. Optional grape candies make for a fun, colorful topping. These cupcakes are great for parties, birthdays, or an easy homemade treat.
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Rose
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:43:24 GMT
Grape Crush Cupcakes Pin it
Grape Crush Cupcakes | lovelylifewithrose.com

Grape Crush Cupcakes transform ordinary vanilla cupcakes into something extraordinary with their vibrant purple hue and intense grape flavor. The combination of Grape Crush soda in the batter and grape jelly frosting creates an irresistible treat that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood summers while delivering a sophisticated twist on classic cupcakes.

I've made these cupcakes countless times for birthday parties, and they never fail to spark joy and curiosity. The first time I brought them to a family gathering, my nieces were absolutely mesmerized by the purple color.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Vanilla cake mix: Provides the perfect neutral base to highlight grape flavors
  • Grape Crush soda: The carbonation creates exceptional texture while adding authentic grape taste
  • Vegetable oil: Ensures moisture retention better than butter in this recipe
  • Large eggs: Act as binding agents and provide structure
  • Grape jelly: Use a quality brand for the best flavor in frosting
  • Butter: Must be properly softened for smooth frosting
  • Powdered sugar: Sift first to prevent lumpy frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your cupcake pan
Step 2:
Mix your cake batter until just combined - overmixing will make dense cupcakes
Step 3:
Fill liners 2/3 full for perfect dome tops
Step 4:
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, watching carefully after 15 minutes
Step 5:
Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Step 6:
Beat frosting ingredients gradually for the smoothest texture
Step 7:
Pipe or spread frosting generously on cooled cupcakes

My family particularly loves the grape jelly frosting - it reminds us of our favorite PB&J sandwiches but in dessert form. I've watched countless faces light up at first bite.

Storage and Serving

Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The grape flavor actually intensifies slightly after the first day, making them even more delicious.

These cupcakes have become my signature party dessert, combining nostalgia with modern baking techniques. The way the grape soda interacts with the cake mix creates an incredibly tender crumb that's impossible to achieve with regular liquid ingredients. Every time I make them, I'm reminded of why simple, flavor-focused recipes often create the most memorable desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different soda?
Yes, you can substitute Grape Crush with another soda for a slightly different flavor.
→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them before serving.
→ Can I use homemade frosting?
Absolutely, homemade grape-flavored frosting works perfectly as well.
→ Can I add food coloring?
Yes, you can add purple food coloring to enhance the grape theme.
→ How do I store these cupcakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

Sweet and Fruity Cupcakes

Fruity cupcakes with grape jelly frosting.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cupcakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Cupcakes

01 1 box of vanilla cake mix
02 1 cup of grape-flavored soda (e.g., Grape Crush)
03 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
04 3 large eggs

→ For the Frosting

05 1 cup of grape jelly
06 1/2 cup of softened butter
07 2 cups of powdered sugar
08 1-2 tablespoons of milk (as necessary for desired consistency)

→ For Decoration

09 Grape candies (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, grape soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 03

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, ensuring each is filled to about two-thirds capacity.

Step 04

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they're ready. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 05

While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter with the grape jelly until fully blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well with each addition. Add milk a little at a time to adjust the consistency as needed.

Step 06

Once the cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Add grape candies for decoration if desired.

Step 07

Your cupcakes are ready! Serve them as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Notes

  1. Adjust the milk in the frosting to make it thinner or thicker, depending on your preference.
  2. For a stronger grape flavor in the frosting, you can use additional grape jelly.
  3. Decorating with grape candies is optional, but they enhance the presentation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cupcake pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Possible gluten in the cake mix

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 2 g