Description
These Pepsi Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on classic chocolate cupcakes, using Pepsi cola to add a unique moistness and flavor to the cake. Topped with a smooth and fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting and optional patriotic sprinkles, these cupcakes are perfect for festive occasions or any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist Dark Chocolate boxed cake mix)
- 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 (175°C). Line two standard muffin pans with a total of 20 cupcake liners and set aside.
- Combine cake mix and Pepsi: In a large bowl, pour the dry chocolate cake mix and add the room temperature Pepsi cola. Let it sit for a minute to allow the bubbles to settle.
- Mix cake batter: Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the cake batter for about 1 minute until the bubbles are fully incorporated and the batter becomes thick and smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow cupcakes to cool completely on the counter.
- Make vanilla buttercream frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Scrape down the bowl sides.
- Add powdered sugar gradually: Add 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter and begin mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to high until fully incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining powdered sugar, taking about 4 to 5 minutes total to achieve a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate vanilla, cream, and salt: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt to the buttercream. Whip the mixture on high speed for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until it is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost cupcakes and garnish: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off. Frost the cooled cupcakes evenly and garnish with red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Ensure Pepsi is at room temperature to better integrate into the batter and prevent melting or curdling.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth frosting.
- For a richer cupcake flavor, use unsalted butter for the frosting and ensure it is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- To make cupcakes last longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: Add food coloring to the frosting for themed colors matching the sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pepsi cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, vanilla buttercream frosting, patriotic cupcakes, easy chocolate cupcakes, celebratory cupcakes
