Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

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🧁 Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes
Zesty, fizzy, fluffy, and fun! A citrusy celebration in every bite. 🍋🥤🧁

🧁 Introduction

Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are a nostalgic twist on classic citrus desserts—light, vibrant, and irresistibly moist. The carbonation in the soda acts as a leavening agent, creating a tender crumb, while the lemon and lime zest elevate the flavor with natural zing. Topped with citrus-swirled buttercream and decorated with cute paper straws, these cupcakes are perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or simply to brighten your day!

🧂 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix (or substitute with 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 Citrus Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • Optional: A few drops of yellow and green food coloring (for a swirled effect)
  • Pinch of salt

Decorations:

  • Colorful paper straws (cut into halves or thirds)
  • Sprinkles, lemon/lime slices, or candied peel (optional)

🧁 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 7UP soda, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lime zest.
  3. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
  4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Citrus Buttercream

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
  3. Mix in lemon juice, lime juice, zests, and a pinch of salt.
  4. If desired, divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one yellow and one green. Use a piping bag with both colors to create a swirl.

Step 4: Decorate

  1. Pipe the buttercream onto cooled cupcakes using a star tip.
  2. Add a cut paper straw into each for a playful soda float look.
  3. Garnish with sprinkles, zest, or a tiny citrus slice if you like.

🧁 Methods

  • Zesting Citrus: Use a fine grater or microplane for the zest; avoid the bitter white pith.
  • Swirl Frosting Tip: Place both frosting colors side by side in plastic wrap, roll into a log, snip the end, and place into a piping bag for a two-tone swirl.
  • Soda Tip: Use freshly opened 7UP for the best carbonation.

🕰️ History

Soda cakes became popular in the 1950s and 60s, especially in the U.S., when boxed cake mixes and soft drinks became household staples. Home bakers discovered that sodas like 7UP added lift and moisture to cakes—without the need for baking powder or extra dairy. The lemon-lime soda trend continues in modern baking, bringing a retro touch with bright flavor.

🍋 Benefits

  • Moist Texture: Thanks to 7UP’s carbonation and sugar.
  • Simple Prep: No need for milk or buttermilk—soda replaces it all!
  • Zesty Flavor Boost: Natural lemon and lime zest add freshness.
  • Kid-Friendly & Festive: Bright colors and soda flair make these great for parties.

🧁 Formation

This recipe yields 18–24 standard cupcakes depending on the size. You can also bake it in a 9×13″ pan for a sheet cake version.

🧠 Nutrition Information (Per Cupcake Estimate):

  • Calories: ~250
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
    (Note: Nutrition will vary based on frosting amount and cake mix brand.)

💛 Conclusion

Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are a citrusy, bubbly, and bright dessert perfect for any celebration. Easy to make and hard to resist, they offer a retro flair with modern style. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, picnic, or just to make someone smile, these cupcakes are always a hit.

💕 For the Lovers of Citrus & Cupcakes

Lemon-lovers, lime-fans, and soda-pop nostalgia seekers—this one’s for you! These cupcakes are for those who love bright, bold flavors wrapped in soft, airy textures. They’re for party hosts looking to impress, and for kids who adore playful designs.

Would you like a printable version or poster-style card for this recipe?

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