Orange Crush Cupcakes – Fizzy, Fruity, and Bright with Citrus Joy
Sipping on Orange Crush and dreaming up desserts? That’s exactly what sparked the idea for these Orange Crush Cupcakes.
Infusing the batter with fizzy soda and orange zest, mixing up a tangy orange buttercream, and decorating with candy slices—it all turns into a fun, fruity baking session.
If you’re craving something vibrant and citrusy with a nostalgic twist, these cupcakes are your ticket to sunny sweetness.
Prep & Baking Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 18 mins | 38 mins | 12 | Dessert | American |
Ingredients (for 12 & 6 Cupcakes)
| Ingredient | 12 Cupcakes | 6 Cupcakes | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | 2/3 cup | Gluten-free blend |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | 1/3 cup | Coconut sugar |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Vegan butter |
| Eggs | 2 | 1 | Flax eggs |
| Orange Crush soda | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Any orange soda |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp | 1 1/2 tsp | Lemon zest |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1/2 tsp | Orange extract |
| Powdered sugar (for frosting) | 2 cups | 1 cup | Maple powdered sugar |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin + liners | Silicone molds |
| Electric mixer | Hand whisk |
| Cooling rack | Plate with towel |
| Zester | Fine grater |
How to Make Orange Crush Cupcakes
Let’s start baking something fun and fizzy that captures the spirit of orange soda.
Step 1: Make the Batter
Cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and orange zest.
Alternate adding flour and Orange Crush soda until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 2: Bake It Up
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let them cool fully before frosting.
Step 3: Frosting & Finish
Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and a splash of Orange Crush or orange extract.
Add a tiny bit of zest if you like it punchy. Pipe the frosting high and top with orange candy slices or sprinkles.
Pro Tip
Chilling the soda before use helps retain more bubbles in the batter for a fluffier texture.
Serving Tips
- Garnish with a striped paper straw for a soda-fountain vibe.
- Serve with chilled Orange Crush or orange slushies.
- For events, add mini orange flags or cupcake toppers.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Orange Creamsicle: Add a swirl of vanilla cream cheese frosting.
- Spicy Orange: Mix in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter.
- Tropical Twist: Add a bit of crushed pineapple and coconut to the mix.
- Citrus Burst: Combine lemon and lime zest with the orange zest.
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days if frosted.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use diet soda?
Yes, but the flavor may be slightly different and less sweet.
What if I don’t have Orange Crush?
Any orange soda will do—just keep it fizzy.
Can I make this egg-free?
Absolutely. Flax or chia eggs work great in this recipe.
Why use soda in cupcakes?
The carbonation makes the cupcakes light and airy while adding a sweet citrus flavor.
Brighten Your Day with a Cupcake
These Orange Crush Cupcakes bring the fun of soda and the joy of citrus into one sunny treat.
Bake a batch, share the fizz, and don’t forget to snap a picture of your sparkling creation!
