Description
These Pepsi Cupcakes are a fun and unique twist on classic chocolate cupcakes, made with cola to add a subtle caramel flavor and moist texture. Topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles, they’re perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist Dark Chocolate boxed cake mix recommended)
- 12 ounces Pepsi cola, room temperature
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two standard muffin pans with 20 cupcake liners. Set the pans aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, add the dry chocolate cake mix and pour in the room-temperature Pepsi cola. Let it sit for a minute to allow bubbles to settle for smoother mixing.
- Beat Batter: Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the mixture for about 1 minute until the bubbles are fully incorporated and the batter becomes thick and smooth.
- Fill and Bake Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a countertop before frosting.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the room-temperature unsalted butter and whisk on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until creamy and pale.
- Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Scrape down the bowl sides, then add 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar. Start the mixer on low, gradually increasing to high speed until the sugar is incorporated. Repeat this step with the remaining powdered sugar, taking about 4 to 5 minutes total, until smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate Flavor and Cream: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt to the buttercream. Continue whipping on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and light.
- Frost and Garnish: Transfer the prepared frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe frosting over cooled cupcakes. Finish with red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure Pepsi is at room temperature for better mixing with dry cake mix.
- Cooling cupcakes completely before frosting prevents the buttercream from melting.
- Sifting powdered sugar helps achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Use quality butter for the creamiest frosting texture.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a patriotic and festive appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pepsi cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, cola cupcakes, vanilla buttercream, festive cupcakes, easy cupcakes, American dessert
