Name: Grape Crush Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 box Vanilla cake mix (Any brand, dry mix); 1 cup Grape Crush soda (Room temperature recommended for easier mixing); 1/2 cup Vegetable oil (Neutral-flavored oil); 3 large Eggs (Room temperature helps even mixing); 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Pure preferred for best flavor); 1/2 cup Purple grape jelly (Slightly softened for easier folding)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and playfully nostalgic, Grape Crush Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic boxed-cake shortcut that turns an ordinary bake into something bright and fun. These cupcakes use Grape Crush soda and a swirl of purple grape jelly to create moist, flavorful cakes with just the right touch of grape sweetness — perfect for backyard parties, school bake sales, or an easy weekend treat. Fun fact: soda has been used in home baking for decades to add both lift and flavor, and grape soda gives these cupcakes that unmistakable carnival vibe. If you love quick and cheerful desserts, check out our other takes on soda-infused sweets like this Grape Crush Cupcakes recipe for more inspiration. Simple, fast, and family-approved, these cupcakes are about to become a new favorite.

What is Grape Crush Cupcakes?

What’s in a name — grape, crush, cupcakes? Why not! Is it a cupcake that makes you fall in love at first bite? Maybe. Could the name hint that these treats are the secret weapon when you want to impress with minimal effort? Absolutely. The playful name nods to the star ingredient — Grape Crush soda — and the little pockets of jelly that “crush” with flavor in every bite. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who can resist that? Try them and see if they become your go-to for quick celebrations or last-minute guests.

Why You’ll Love This:

Bright grape flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh: The soda and jelly pair to give a juicy, slightly fizzy grape note that stands out without overwhelming sweetness.
Budget-friendly and fast to make: Using a boxed cake mix plus a few pantry staples keeps cost and prep time low — perfect for busy families and beginners.
Versatile and kid-friendly: Top them with simple frosting, a dollop of whipped cream, or serve plain for a fun, colorful treat everyone will reach for.

These cupcakes are lighter and more playful than a dense butter cake, and they pair nicely in spirit with other playful bakes on the blog like our Black Velvet Marshmallow Cupcakes — both crowd-pleasers in their own right. Ready to make a batch?

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is ideal when you want an easy, satisfying dessert with bright flavor and tender texture. Preparation is straightforward — combine a boxed cake mix with Grape Crush soda and a handful of pantry ingredients, fold in grape jelly for pockets of fruity surprise, and bake for about 18–20 minutes. The standout element is the soft crumb with little bursts of grape jelly that make each bite fun and juicy.

Approximate time: 10 minutes prep, 18–20 minutes baking, plus cooling time.

Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix — any brand, dry mix
1 cup Grape Crush soda — room temperature recommended for easier mixing
1/2 cup vegetable oil — neutral-flavored oil
3 large eggs — room temperature helps even mixing
1/4 cup sugar — granulated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — pure preferred for best flavor
1/2 cup purple grape jelly — slightly softened for easier folding

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, Grape Crush soda, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Carefully fold in the purple grape jelly, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can frost them if you like or enjoy them as they are!

Grape Crush Cupcakes

What to Serve With:

Simple vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting to balance the fruity flavor.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert plate.
Fresh fruit salad or sliced strawberries to add brightness and contrast.
Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink pairing; grape soda can be a fun drink match for a themed party.
For a kids’ party, set out colorful sprinkles, mini candies, or whipped cream for decorating.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Substitutions: If you don’t have Grape Crush, use another grape soda or a flavored grape drink. Use light oil or melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Jelly texture: Soften the grape jelly slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds so it folds smoothly without fully liquefying.
Mixing tips: Don’t overmix once you add the eggs and soda — mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Baking check: Ovens vary; start checking at 17 minutes to avoid overbaking. Toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Frosting ideas: A light cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness; for a lighter option, dust with powdered sugar.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days if frosted with cream cheese. Unfrosted cupcakes can stay at room temperature for 1–2 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating: For a just-baked warmth, microwave a single cupcake for 8–12 seconds (avoid if heavily frosted). Let frozen cupcakes fully thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Grape Crush?
Yes. Any grape soda will work and will offer similar flavor. For a milder grape note, use a less sweet grape drink. Avoid using diet sodas if you want the full sugary lift.

Do I need to chill the batter before baking?
No. This batter is meant to be baked right away. Chilling could affect the rise from the soda and boxed mix.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
You can if you use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Baking times should be similar, but check doneness early.

How do I prevent the jelly from sinking to the bottom?
Soften the jelly slightly and fold it in gently. Don’t add large unmelted blobs — smaller spoonfuls or a light swirl will distribute it evenly.

Are these cupcakes very sweet?
They have a noticeable sweetness from the soda and jelly, but balancing with cream cheese frosting or fresh fruit sides can tone that down if desired.

Conclusion

Grape Crush Cupcakes are an easy, cheerful dessert that delivers fun grape flavor and moist texture with minimal effort — perfect for busy cooks, families, and anyone who loves a nostalgic treat. They’re quick to put together, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to customize with different frostings or toppings. If you want another take on soda-infused cupcakes with a similar playful spirit, check out this Grape Soda Cupcakes – Princess Pinky Girl for more ideas and inspiration. Try this recipe, share a batch with friends or family, and enjoy the smiles that follow.