Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Lime Soda Cupcakes are a fun, fizzy twist on classic cupcakes, infused with the citrusy flavor of lemon-lime soda. These cupcakes are light, moist, and slightly tangy with a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. Topped with a fluffy lemon-lime frosting, they’re perfect for parties, picnics, or whenever you need a zesty dessert to brighten your day.

ingredients

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

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsbaking powdersaltlemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)vanilla extractlemon zestlime zest

**For the frosting:**unsalted butterconfectioners’ sugarlemon juicelime juicelemon zestlime zestoptional: green or yellow food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lime zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the lemon-lime soda. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar.

Mix in lemon and lime juice, along with zest. Adjust consistency with more sugar or juice as needed.

Add food coloring if desired, then frost the cooled cupcakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 18–20 minutesCooling and frosting time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use lemon-lime soda with real sugar for a richer flavor.

Add a drop of lemon or lime extract to intensify the citrus notes.

Top with candied lemon or lime slices for a decorative finish.

Make a lemon-lime glaze instead of frosting for a lighter topping.

storage/reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.To refresh, microwave for 5–10 seconds or let sit at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use diet soda?

Yes, but the flavor and sweetness may be slightly reduced.

Is it safe to use soda in baking?

Absolutely, soda acts as a leavening agent and adds moisture.

Can I make this into a cake instead?

Yes, pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Do I need lemon and lime zest?

Zest adds bright, fresh flavor, but you can skip it if needed.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, substitute the water in the mix with lemon-lime soda and add zest for extra flavor.

What frosting pairs best?

Lemon-lime buttercream is perfect, but cream cheese frosting also works well.

Can I make these vegan?

Use a plant-based butter, egg substitute, and check that your soda is vegan-friendly.

Are these cupcakes very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet with a tangy citrus balance.

How do I keep them moist?

Don’t overbake and store them properly in a sealed container.

Can I pipe the frosting?

Yes, the buttercream holds shape well for piping.

Conclusion

Lemon Lime Soda Cupcakes are a vibrant, citrusy treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. With their light texture and zingy flavor, they bring a splash of sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to enjoy a unique dessert, these cupcakes are sure to refresh and delight.