Here’s a fun, citrusy treat for any occasion: Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! These are fluffy, moist, and bursting with nostalgic soda flavor, topped with tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness beautifully.
🧁 Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
🍊 Yields: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 18–20 minutes | Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Orange Soda Cupcakes:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup orange soda (like Fanta, Crush, or Sunkist)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- Optional: 1 tsp orange zest (for extra flavor)
- Optional: orange food coloring (for a bolder color)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (for desired texture)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, orange soda, oil, eggs, and orange zest (if using). Mix until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add a drop or two of orange food coloring if desired.
- Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen the frosting.
- Pipe or spread generously onto cooled cupcakes.
🍊 Decorating Ideas
- Top with orange zest, sprinkles, or an orange slice candy.
- Add a straw for a “soda float” look.
- Use orange gel drizzle or a swirl of orange curd for extra flair.
📝 Tips
- Want a more homemade cupcake base? I can give you a scratch version using flour, sugar, and orange soda.
- You can swap orange soda for grape, strawberry, or root beer for fun variations.
- Store cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days (let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving).