Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

Fluffy, citrus-kissed, and bubbling with nostalgia—these Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are sunshine in a wrapper! The zippy tang of lemon and lime zest, the playful fizz of 7UP, and that cloud-soft texture… they’re a party waiting to happen. And the best part? No mixer needed. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a craving for something fresh, fruity, and fun.

What Are Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes?

These cupcakes are a delightful twist on traditional lemon cupcakes, made airy and moist by incorporating 7UP soda right into the batter. Using a boxed cake mix keeps things simple, but the magic happens with fresh lemon and lime zest plus the soda, which adds lift and brightness without any extra effort. Think soda fountain meets bakery-style treat. They’re perfect for summer parties, kids’ birthdays, bake sales—or just because you’re craving something sweet and citrusy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with fresh flavor from real lemon and lime zest
• Light and fluffy texture thanks to the carbonation in the 7UP
• Fun to decorate with citrus swirls, sprinkles, and straws
• No stand mixer needed—a one-bowl wonder
• Quick to make—ready in under 30 minutes

What Do These Cupcakes Taste Like?

Imagine the creamy fizz of a lemon-lime soda, the citrus bite of fresh zest, and the sweetness of a fluffy cupcake all rolled into one. The base is tender and delicately flavored, while the frosting brings that citrus zing full circle with buttery richness and just the right hint of tart. The frosting melts on your tongue and balances beautifully with the soft crumb of the cupcake.

They taste like summer should. Sweet, citrusy, and anything but boring!!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Kid-friendly and fun to decorate as a family
• Customizable—swap zest, colors, or frosting styles
• Budget-friendly—uses pantry staples and one soda can
• Make-ahead friendly—bake now, frost later
• Perfect for themed parties—those straws really pop on a dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (or white/yellow for a milder flavor)
• 1 cup 7UP soda (not diet, you want the sugar and bubbles!)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lime

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp lemon or lime juice (or a mix of both)
• 1 tsp lemon or lime zest
• Green and yellow gel food coloring (optional but fun)
• Paper straws and sprinkles (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Cupcake tin with 12 liners
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Zester or microplane
• Piping bag with star tip (optional but highly recommended)
• Cooling rack

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• No lemon cake mix? Use white or yellow cake mix and double the citrus zest.
• Lime-forward variation: Skip the lemon zest and double the lime!
• Want extra tang? Add 1 tbsp sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the batter.
• Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix—just make sure it’s compatible with added liquid.
• No food coloring? The frosting will still look and taste great au naturel.

How to Make Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, stir together:

• Cake mix
• 1 cup 7UP
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime

Whisk until the batter is smooth and glossy—about 2 minutes. It’ll smell like a citrus grove!

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the liners (fill each about ¾ full). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly when touched.

Step 4: Cool

Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with lemon/lime juice and zest. Beat until light and fluffy—3 to 4 minutes.

Optional: Divide the frosting and tint with green and yellow food coloring.

Step 6: Decorate

Pipe frosting in swirls using a star tip. Add sprinkles and a cute striped paper straw for that soda-shop vibe!

What to Serve with These Cupcakes

• Lemonade or sparkling water with lime slices
• Fresh fruit skewers for a light side
• Citrus sorbet or sherbet to double down on the zing
• Vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo
• Sweet iced tea for a Southern-inspired twist

Tips for Perfect Soda Cupcakes

• Don’t overmix the batter—just enough to combine.
• Use fresh zest! Bottled lemon or lime juice won’t give the same brightness.
• Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting or the buttercream will melt.
• If piping frosting, chill it briefly to help it hold its shape.
• Want cleaner swirls? Use a large closed star piping tip (like Wilton 2D or 1M).

How to Store These Cupcakes

Room Temperature:
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Fridge:
They’ll keep for 4–5 days in the fridge (bring to room temp before serving for best texture).

Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Sprite or another soda instead of 7UP?

Yes! Any lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or Sierra Mist) works just as well.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. Bake the cupcakes a day ahead, and frost before serving.

What’s the best way to get citrus zest?

Use a microplane or fine grater. Only grate the colored part—avoid the bitter white pith.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—substitute a plant-based butter for the frosting and check your cake mix for dairy-free labeling.

Conclusion: Cupcakes That Spark Joy

These Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are cheerful, citrus-packed, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a summer bash, a soda-themed party, or just to treat yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to brighten your day. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, they’re the kind of bake that reminds us how joyful baking can be.

Looking for more fruit-filled fun? Don’t miss:

• Peach Cobbler Cupcakes
• Strawberry Lemonade Bars
• Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake

Show Off Your Bake!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Leave a review below and tag your creations with #mmmrecipes on Pinterest or Instagram! Your beautiful bakes inspire more kitchen joy!

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, approx.)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 2g

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