Dreamy Grape Crush Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic

Bursting with fruity goodness, these delightful grape crush cupcakes blend sweet nostalgia with a playful twist.

Soft, moist cake layers capture the essence of summer’s most beloved grape flavor.

Each bite promises a burst of vibrant grape notes that dance across your palate.

The unique combination of tangy and sweet creates a dessert that stands out from classic cupcake recipes.

Carefully crafted with simple ingredients, these cupcakes bring a refreshing spin to traditional baking.

Rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make, they’ll become a favorite at any gathering.

Prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible grape-infused treat that turns an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Storage Suggestions For Grape Crush Cupcakes

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use a different flavor of soda instead of grape soda?

Yes, you can experiment with other soda flavors like strawberry or cherry to create unique cupcake variations.

• Is grape jelly the only option for the frosting?

No, you can substitute grape jelly with other fruit preserves like raspberry or blackberry for a different flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and don’t overbake. Check the cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time to maintain moisture.

• Can I make these cupcakes without grape candies?

Absolutely! The grape candies are optional and just add a decorative touch. The cupcakes will still taste delicious without them.

Sweet And Fruity Grape Crush Cupcakes

• Craft Quick Comfort: Prepare a delightful treat that comes together in minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without complex kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Kings Hawaiian rolls transform into an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
• Versatile Indulgence: Easily adaptable recipe that works as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or dessert, offering flexibility for different meal occasions and preferences.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and minimal preparation, allowing home cooks to create a bakery-style dessert with everyday ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients List For Grape Crush Cupcakes

• Vanilla Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the cupcakes.
• Grape Soda: Adds a unique grape flavor and helps create a moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cupcakes remain tender and soft.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure to the cupcakes.

• Butter: Creates a creamy and rich base for the frosting.
• Grape Jelly: Infuses the frosting with a sweet grape flavor and vibrant color.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's texture if needed.

• Grape Candies: Provides a decorative and extra sweet touch to the finished cupcakes.

Stepwise Grape Crush Cupcake Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and warm it to 350F (175C). Line a cupcake pan with cute paper liners, creating a cozy home for your cupcakes.

Step 2: Create Cupcake Magic

• Vanilla cake mix
• Grape soda
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Whisk everything together until the batter looks silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Homes

Carefully pour the batter into each paper liner, filling them about two-thirds full.

This gives your cupcakes room to rise and become fluffy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Grape Frosting

• Softened butter
• Grape jelly

Beat until creamy and combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly.

If the frosting seems too thick, splash in a bit of milk until you reach a dreamy, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Decorate and Delight

Once cupcakes are cool, generously spread the grape jelly frosting on top.

Sprinkle with grape-flavored candies for an extra burst of sweetness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Arrange your gorgeous Grape Crush Cupcakes on a pretty platter and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips To Enhance Grape Flavor Cupcakes

• Add an extra splash of grape soda to enhance the grape flavor in the batter for a more pronounced taste.
• Chill the butter before mixing to create a smoother, more spreadable grape jelly frosting that holds its shape.
• Use a light hand when filling cupcake liners and avoid overmixing the batter to ensure light, fluffy cupcakes.
• Swap regular grape jelly for homemade or high-quality grape preserves to intensify the purple hue and natural grape taste.
• Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum moisture and freshness.

Different Takes On Grape Crush Cupcakes

• Grape-Free Soda Cupcakes: Replace grape soda with orange or cherry soda for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk in frosting to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Gluten-Conscious Option: Use gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
• Reduced Sugar Alternative: Substitute part of the powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie frosting option.

Foods To Enjoy With Grape Crush Cupcakes

• Pair with Sparkling Grape Mocktail: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the grape flavor of the cupcakes, using sparkling water, grape juice, and a splash of lemon.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cupcakes to balance the sweet grape frosting and provide a cool contrast.
• Match with Fresh Fruit Platter: Arrange a selection of fresh grapes, berries, and citrus slices to enhance the fruity notes and add a light, fresh element to the dessert experience.
• Enjoy with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate lavender Earl Grey tea that complements the sweet grape flavor and offers a sophisticated, aromatic pairing.

Grape Crush Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grape crush cupcakes bring bold Mediterranean flavors dancing through delicate pastry layers. Sweet grape reduction mingles with light buttercream, creating a dessert that whispers summer memories while promising pure deliciousness you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup grape crush soda
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grape jelly

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vanilla cake mix, grape soda, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
4. Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cupcakes are fully baked.
5. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents condensation and maintains their texture.
6. Create the grape jelly frosting by beating softened butter and grape jelly together until well blended and creamy.
7. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the butter-jelly mixture, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency.
8. If the frosting appears too thick, carefully add milk in small increments until reaching the desired spreadable texture.
9. Once cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, generously spread the grape jelly frosting over each cupcake using a spatula or piping bag.
10. Embellish each frosted cupcake with grape-flavored candies for a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.
11. Serve and savor these delectable Grape Crush Cupcakes at room temperature.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even baking of the cupcake batter.
• Soda acts as a leavening agent, creating lighter and fluffier cupcakes with minimal effort.
• Adjust grape jelly frosting consistency by adding milk gradually to achieve perfect spreading texture.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 326
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg