Have you ever tasted a cupcake that took you right back to childhood summers, sipping cold soda on a hot day? That’s the magic of Cupcakes with a Crush: Orange Crush. These vibrant, soda-infused treats are light, zesty, and full of sunshine flavor—perfect for brightening up any day or celebration.
Whether you grew up loving Orange Crush soda or you’re just a fan of bold citrus desserts, this cupcake recipe is here to crush your cravings in the sweetest way possible.
Table of Contents
💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love with Orange Crush Cupcakes
- Nostalgic and fun – Combines the charm of soda with the joy of cupcakes
- Soft, moist texture – Thanks to the carbonation in the Orange Crush
- Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples and a can of soda
- Perfect for parties – Eye-catching and flavorful with a citrusy kick
- Customizable – Change up the soda, the color, or the frosting
🍊 Ingredients for Cupcakes with a Crush: Orange Crush
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vegetable oil | ¾ cup |
| Orange Crush soda | 1 cup (not flat) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Orange zest (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Orange food coloring | A few drops (optional) |
🍥 For the Orange Crush Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Orange Crush soda | 2–3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
| Orange food coloring | Optional, for vibrancy |
👩🍳 How to Make Orange Crush Cupcakes
🔹 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
🔹 Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, vanilla, and Orange Crush soda.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overmixing.
- Add orange zest and a drop or two of orange coloring if using.
🔹 Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
🔹 Step 4: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with Orange Crush soda.
- Add vanilla extract and food coloring.
- Beat until smooth and fluffy.
🔹 Step 5: Decorate
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Top with orange sprinkles, soda straws, or candy for fun flair!
🎨 Fun Ways to Customize Your Orange Crush Cupcakes
Want to get creative? You can tweak these cupcakes for any vibe:
🍬 Toppings & Add-ins:
- Orange slices or zest curls
- Orange candy or gumdrops
- Mini soda bottles as toppers
🌈 Color Variations:
- Use different food coloring for rainbow parties
- Add swirl designs with orange and white
🧁 Flavor Twists:
- Swap Orange Crush with Grape, Strawberry, or Cherry soda
- Mix in white chocolate chips for extra richness
- Try with citrus-flavored cake mix for a shortcut
🧠 Tips for the Best Cupcakes with a Crush: Orange Crush
- Don’t flatten the soda – The bubbles give your cupcakes their lift and softness
- Cool completely before frosting – Warm cupcakes can melt the buttercream
- Use a piping bag for a bakery-style look
- Refrigerate leftovers if not eaten within 2 days
📋 Nutrition Estimate (Per Cupcake)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~48g |
| Sugar | ~35g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Protein | ~2g |
Based on standard cupcake and frosting size. Varies with toppings.
🎉 When to Serve Cupcakes with a Crush
These cupcakes are ideal for:
- 🍊 Birthday parties
- 🧁 Baby or bridal showers
- 🎈 Summer picnics and barbecues
- 🍹 Themed soda parties
- 🎁 Gifting to neighbors or friends
They’re fun, photogenic, and full of flavor—basically the life of the dessert table.
❓ FAQ: Cupcakes with a Crush: Orange Crush
Can I use diet Orange Crush?
Yes, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture since it has less sugar and carbonation.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when needed.
Can I make this as a cake?
Definitely! Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake for 28–35 minutes.
What’s the best frosting to pair with Orange Crush?
The Orange Crush buttercream is ideal, but cream cheese or vanilla frosting also work beautifully.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
You can use plant-based egg replacers, dairy-free butter, and vegan-friendly soda and frosting ingredients.
💬 Final Thoughts: Cupcakes with a Crush Will Steal the Show
There’s something irresistibly playful about Cupcakes with a Crush: Orange Crush. Maybe it’s the pop of citrus, the creamy frosting, or the bubbly magic from the soda, but one thing is certain—these cupcakes make people smile.
They’re easy to whip up, even easier to devour, and perfect for adding sunshine to your dessert table. So whether you’re baking for a celebration or just crushing on a new flavor, this is the sweet escape you’ve been looking for.