Description
These Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are the life of the party—bright, fluffy, and fizzy with real citrus zest and 7UP in every bite. Topped with swirled lemon-lime buttercream and fun garnishes, they’re sunshine in cupcake form. No mixer required, just one bowl and loads of flavor! Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or just because.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 box lemon cake mix (or white/yellow cake mix)
1 cup 7UP soda (not diet)
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 tablespoons lemon or lime juice (or a mix of both)
1 teaspoon lemon or lime zest
Green and yellow gel food coloring (optional)
Optional Garnish:
Sprinkles
Paper straws
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. -
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 7UP, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lime zest. Whisk by hand or use a hand mixer until smooth—about 2 minutes. -
Bake:
Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool:
Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. -
Make the Frosting:
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with lemon or lime juice and zest, and beat until light and fluffy. Add gel food coloring if using and swirl for a fun lemon-lime look. -
Decorate:
Using a piping bag and star tip, pipe the frosting in tall swirls. Garnish with sprinkles and insert paper straws for a soda-fountain touch.
Notes
Use lemon cake mix for an extra citrus punch, or white/yellow cake mix for a more balanced flavor.
No food coloring? No problem! The frosting still tastes amazing without it.
Make these a day ahead—just store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container and frost before serving.
Want even more zing? Add a dash of lemon extract to the frosting.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before serving for best texture.