Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any celebration. These fluffy and bright cupcakes are infused with the zing of fresh citrus zest and the fizzy goodness of 7UP soda. Topped with a creamy, swirled buttercream frosting and fun garnishes like sprinkles and paper straws, these cupcakes bring a refreshing burst of flavor and a fun, soda-fountain vibe to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are not only visually stunning but incredibly delicious. The addition of 7UP soda gives them a light, airy texture, and the fresh lemon and lime zest infuses each bite with bright, citrusy flavor. The sweet, tangy buttercream frosting complements the cupcakes perfectly, making every bite a sweet, refreshing treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a unique dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress! Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lime zest. Whisk by hand or use a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Bake the Cupcakes:

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cupcakes:

Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them 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. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add gel food coloring if desired, and swirl for a fun lemon-lime effect.

Decorate the Cupcakes:

Using a piping bag and star tip, pipe the frosting in tall swirls on top of the cooled cupcakes.
Garnish with sprinkles and insert paper straws for a fun, soda-fountain-inspired touch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Calories per cupcake: 240 kcal

Variations

Flavor twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit. You can swap out the lemon and lime zest with zest from other fruits for a unique twist on the flavor.
Mini cupcakes: If you prefer smaller cupcakes, use a mini muffin tin and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
Vegan version: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use a dairy-free butter alternative to make these cupcakes vegan.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to reheat, do so in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different soda for these cupcakes?

While 7UP gives the best light texture and flavor, you can try using Sprite or another lemon-lime soda as a substitute.

2. Can I use fresh lemon and lime juice instead of 7UP?

While fresh juice will add a lovely citrus flavor, 7UP adds both flavor and carbonation, which helps make the cupcakes fluffier. It’s best to use the soda for the best texture.

3. How can I make the frosting fluffier?

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before beating. Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat for at least 3-4 minutes to achieve a light, fluffy consistency.

4. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve them for the best results.

5. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the lemon cake mix with white or yellow cake mix if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

6. How can I make the frosting more colorful?

Add a few drops of green and yellow gel food coloring to the frosting and swirl them together for a fun lemon-lime look.

7. Do I need to refrigerate the cupcakes?

You don’t need to refrigerate the cupcakes if you plan to eat them within a few days. However, if you have leftovers and want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge.

8. Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter for the frosting?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of additional salt you add to the frosting to avoid it being too salty.

9. How do I make sure the cupcakes don’t overflow?

Be sure to fill the cupcake liners only about ¾ full to allow room for rising while baking.

10. Can I make a larger batch of frosting?

Yes, you can easily double the frosting recipe if you prefer more generous frosting swirls or plan to frost more cupcakes.

Conclusion

Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes are a refreshing and delightful treat that combines the zing of citrus with the fun effervescence of 7UP soda. They’re light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual get-togethers. The swirled buttercream frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish, while the sprinkles and paper straws give them a festive soda-fountain touch. Easy to make, visually appealing, and full of flavor, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at your next celebration!