Quick Benefits
Orange Crush Cupcakes are a fun, flavorful twist on classic cupcakes, made with a can of orange soda and a simple cake mix. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a bright, citrusy flavor that kids and adults alike will love. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, summer parties, or any time you’re craving a burst of sunshine in dessert form!
Essential Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 12 oz Orange Crush soda
Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered orange Jell-O
- 3 tablespoons Orange Crush soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish: Orange zest, sprinkles, orange slices, or paper straws for decoration.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Make the batter:
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix with the Orange Crush soda. Beat for 2–3 minutes until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. - Bake the cupcakes:
Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool:
Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time, followed by the orange Jell-O powder, Orange Crush soda, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. - Frost and decorate:
Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost generously and garnish as desired.
Health Benefits
While these cupcakes are a sweet indulgence, they do offer a few perks:
- Portion-controlled: Cupcakes are naturally pre-portioned, helping with mindful snacking.
- Lower effort: No eggs or oil required for the cupcake batter—just soda!
- Fun flavor: The orange soda adds a citrus twist without the need for complex ingredients.
For a lighter version, you could experiment with sugar-free soda and a reduced-fat frosting base.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a bright platter with orange accents or decorative cupcake wrappers.
- Garnish with orange zest or mini wedges for added flair and fresh aroma.
- Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or even orange soda for a full-on citrus celebration.
- For party fun, place each cupcake in a small clear cup with a colorful straw to look like a soda float!
Creative Variations
- Switch the soda: Try Grape Crush, Cherry Cola, or Strawberry Fanta for different flavors and colors.
- Colorful swirl: Add a drop of food coloring to the batter or frosting for a vibrant pop.
- Filled cupcakes: Hollow out the center and add orange curd or whipped cream for a surprise middle.
- Layered jars: Make mini trifle jars with cupcake pieces, whipped cream, and fruit.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If it’s warm or humid, keep them chilled for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Don’t overfill liners—¾ full is ideal to prevent overflow.
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Add extra orange flavor with a bit of orange zest in the batter or frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different soda flavor?
A: Absolutely! Grape, strawberry, or lemon-lime sodas also work great with white or yellow cake mix.
Q: Do I need eggs and oil for the cake mix?
A: Nope! The soda replaces both and creates a fluffy, moist texture.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving.
Q: Is the Jell-O powder necessary?
A: It enhances the orange flavor and adds color to the frosting but can be skipped or swapped with a drop of orange extract.
Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?
A: Yes, for a lighter frosting. Just be sure to keep the cupcakes chilled.
Nutrition Facts (Per cupcake – approx.)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Orange Crush Cupcakes
Orange Crush Cupcakes are bright, citrusy treats that combine the ease of a cake mix with the fizzy fun of orange soda. With their soft, fluffy texture and zesty orange frosting made with powdered Jell-O and more soda, these cupcakes are perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you want a pop of color and flavor in dessert form. They’re easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 box white cake mix
12 ounces orange Crush soda
1 cup butter (softened)
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
2 tablespoons powdered orange jello
3 tablespoons orange Crush soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (or 180°C for our metric friends).
Line each of the 24 regular-size muffin cups in a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and orange Crush soda. Mix until smooth, taking about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl!
Carefully pour the resulting batter into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the delicious orange frosting, take a medium bowl and combine softened butter and confectioner’s sugar, adding one cup of sugar at a time. Then mix in the powdered orange jello, orange Crush soda, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost your cooled cupcakes generously and decorate as you desire!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cupcakes
- Calories: ~200 per cupcake (approximate)
