Name: Pepsi Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist Dark Chocolate boxed cake mix recommended); 12 ounces Pepsi cola, room temperature; 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature; 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)

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Introduction

Pepsi Cupcakes are a fun twist on classic chocolate cupcakes, using Pepsi soda to add unique flavor and moisture. Topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream, these festive treats are perfect for celebrations or any time you want a delightful dessert with a fizzy surprise.

The image shows several chocolate cupcakes with a rich, dark brown base topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting. Each cupcake is decorated with small red, white, and blue sprinkles scattered unevenly on top of the frosting. The cupcakes are placed on a gold cooling rack over a white marbled surface, with some sprinkles also scattered around. In the bottom right corner, there is a clear bowl filled with the same red, white, and blue sprinkles and a small wooden scoop. One cupcake sits alone on a white plate, also sprinkled with a few of the colorful sprinkles and a blue-and-white striped straw inserted into the cupcake. The overall look is bright and inviting, with the colors standing out against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist Dark Chocolate recommended)
12 ounces Pepsi cola, room temperature
1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two standard muffin pans with 20 cupcake liners and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the room-temperature Pepsi. Let the bubbles settle for about a minute.
Step 3: Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the batter for one minute until bubbles are incorporated and the batter is thick and smooth.
Step 4: Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on the counter.
Step 5: To make the frosting, whip the room-temperature butter in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium-high for 2 minutes until creamy.
Step 6: Scrape down the bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, starting the mixer on low and increasing to high until fully incorporated. Repeat until all six cups are used, about 4 to 5 minutes total.
Step 7: Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Whip on high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger Pepsi flavor, use cola-flavored cream soda or try swapping part of the Pepsi for a flavored soda like cherry cola.
Make sure the Pepsi is at room temperature to prevent altering the batter’s consistency.
If you prefer a stiffer frosting, chill it for 30 minutes before piping.
Decorate with various sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving refrigerated cupcakes, bring them to room temperature for the best texture. Frosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and pipe fresh frosting if desired.

How to Serve

The image shows six chocolate cupcakes placed on a gold wire cooling rack over a white marbled texture. Each cupcake has a base layer of dark brown chocolate cake, topped with a generous swirl of smooth white frosting. The frosting is sprinkled with red, white, and blue cylindrical sprinkles scattered evenly across the tops. To the side, there is a clear bowl filled with the same red, white, and blue sprinkles and a small wooden scoop resting inside. Some sprinkles are also scattered around on the cooling rack and marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda if I don’t have Pepsi?

Yes, you can substitute Pepsi with other colas or sodas. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly. Using a similar cola flavor works best for maintaining the original taste.

Why does the recipe call for room-temperature Pepsi?

Room-temperature Pepsi mixes more evenly into the cake batter, ensuring a smooth texture. Cold soda can cause the ingredients to separate or the batter to become uneven.