Get ready for an explosion of flavor and a touch of nostalgic fun with these incredible Mountain Dew Cupcakes! Imagine the refreshing, zesty fizz of your favorite citrus soda infused into a light, fluffy cupcake, then topped with a creamy, tangy Mountain Dew frosting that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. This isn’t just another cupcake recipe; it’s an experience that promises to surprise and delight your taste buds, making it the perfect dessert for parties, potlucks, or simply a joyful baking adventure.
Unleash the Zesty Fun: Homemade Mountain Dew Cupcakes
Are you searching for a unique dessert that stands out from the crowd? Look no further! Our Mountain Dew Cupcakes bring an exciting twist to classic baking, transforming the beloved citrus soda into a moist and utterly delicious treat. The magic happens as the carbonation in the Mountain Dew contributes to an incredibly light and airy texture, while its distinctive flavor adds a tangy zest that complements the sweetness of the cake and frosting beautifully.
Whether you call it soda or pop, one thing is universally true: it makes for a fantastic ingredient in baking! Here in the Pacific Northwest, “soda” is our go-to term, and we’ve discovered it works wonders in creating moist, flavorful cupcakes. This recipe is designed to be straightforward yet yield impressively delicious results, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking to try something new and exciting.
The Secret to Success: Perfectly Moist Mountain Dew Cupcakes
Creating the perfect Mountain Dew cupcake starts with quality ingredients and a few essential techniques. Our recipe blends classic baking staples with the unique addition of Mountain Dew to create a cupcake base that’s moist, flavorful, and wonderfully light. Follow these steps for an unforgettable baking experience.
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 C granulated white sugar
- 4 large eggs, also at room temperature
- 4 C all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 can (12 oz) Mountain Dew Soda
Detailed Cupcake Baking Directions:
- Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. This recipe yields approximately 24 cupcakes, so ensure you have enough liners ready.
- Sift for Success: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, preventing lumps and ensuring a lighter cupcake texture. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Creaming the Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, typically 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Eggs, One at a Time: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition, mixing for about one minute to fully incorporate the egg before adding the next. This ensures a smooth emulsion and adds volume to your batter.
- Alternating Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted flour and baking soda mixture, alternating with the Mountain Dew soda. Begin and end with the flour. Add about 1 cup of flour, mix until just combined, then add about ¼ cup of Mountain Dew. Continue this process until all the flour and soda have been added. Be careful not to overmix; mix only until the ingredients are just incorporated to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Vanilla Infusion: Stir in the vanilla extract until thoroughly blended into the batter. Vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the citrus notes of the Mountain Dew.
- Fill and Bake: Using a large ice cream scoop or a measuring cup, fill each paper-lined cupcake tin approximately two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the cupcake tins from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tins for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before being moved.
- Wire Rack Finish: After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cupcakes from the tins to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the cupcakes are entirely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Crafting the Signature Mountain Dew Frosting
No Mountain Dew cupcake is complete without its signature frosting! This bright and tangy buttercream perfectly echoes the flavor of the soda, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire dessert. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to achieve that iconic green and yellow swirl for a truly show-stopping presentation.
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 C confectioners’ powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 Tablespoons Mountain Dew soda, plus more if needed
- Green and yellow gel food coloring
Frosting Directions:
- Creaming the Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Start on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then increase to medium-high. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the frosting seems too stiff or isn’t creaming properly, add Mountain Dew, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the desired consistency is reached. You’re looking for a frosting that’s firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe smoothly.
- Stiff Peak Test: To check for proper consistency, test if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak when you lift the beaters. If it’s too soft, add more powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating after each addition until the right consistency is achieved. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny bit more Mountain Dew or milk/cream.
- Coloring the Frosting: Divide the prepared frosting equally into two separate bowls. To the first bowl, add several drops of yellow gel food coloring and mix well until a uniform yellow color is achieved. To the second bowl, add several drops of green gel food coloring and mix until vibrantly green.
- Two-Tone Piping Perfection: Prepare a pastry bag fitted with a large round frosting tip (such as a Wilton 1A or a similar 13-inch round tip). Carefully scoop the green frosting into one side of the pastry bag, pushing it down towards the tip. Then, scoop the yellow frosting into the other side of the bag, alongside the green. Twist the open end of the pastry bag to push both frostings towards the tip. Squeeze a small amount onto a plate to test, ensuring both green and yellow frosting emerge simultaneously.
- Frosting the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, begin frosting them from the outside edge, spiraling inward towards the center of each cupcake for an elegant finish.
- Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of flair, garnish each cupcake with a matching, cut-down straw or a sprinkle of green and yellow nonpareils. A twist of lime or lemon zest could also enhance the citrus notes.
Tips for Baking and Frosting Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a lighter, more consistent cupcake.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix only until ingredients are just combined.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Gel Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without adding too much liquid, which can alter the frosting’s consistency.
- Pipe with Confidence: If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper first. You can always scrape the frosting back into the bag!
- Storage: Store frosted Mountain Dew cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use diet Mountain Dew for this recipe?
While you can use diet Mountain Dew, be aware that artificial sweeteners can sometimes behave differently in baking, and the flavor might not be as pronounced or natural as with regular Mountain Dew. The sugar in regular soda also contributes to the moistness and browning of the cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results, or add a quarter teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t.
How far in advance can I make these Mountain Dew cupcakes?
You can bake the cupcakes one day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them on the day of serving for the freshest look and taste. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then re-whipped before piping.
What other sodas can I use to make soda cupcakes?
The possibilities are endless! You could try Orange Crush for a bright citrus flavor (similar to our Orange Crush Soda Cupcake recipe), Dr. Pepper for a cherry-almond note, Root Beer for a classic float taste, or even Sprite for a lemon-lime twist. Experiment and find your favorite!
Do you love exploring new recipes and unique dessert ideas? Be sure to check out our other popular categories like copycat recipes, a wide array of dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes for easy meals.
Mountain Dew Cupcakes
Print
Rate
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 C Butter room temp
- 2 C White Sugar
- 4 Eggs room temp
- 4 C All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 12 oz Mountain Dew Soda 12 oz
Mountain Dew Frosting:
- 1 C Butter room temp
- 4 C Confectioners Powdered Sugar
- 4 Tablespoon Mountain Dew Soda
- Green and yellow gel food coloring
Instructions
Cupcake Directions:
- -Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- -Line cupcake tins with paper liners.
- -Sift together the flour and baking soda…set aside.
- -In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and creamy…Add eggs, one at a time…beating directly after adding for about a minute.
- -Add the flour and baking soda….alternate adding 1 C flour and ¼ C of Mountain Dew…Blend as you go…. until all flour and soda have been added and stir well.
- -Add the vanilla….blend in the batter.
- -Using a large ice cream scoop fill the paper-lined cupcake tins ⅔rds filled.
- -Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- -Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- -Take cupcakes out of the cupcake tin and put on a wire rack until cupcakes are completely cooled.
Frosting Directions:
- -Cream the butter and powder sugar until it looks light and creamy.
- -If it doesn’t cream add 1 tablespoon or more of Mountain Dew.
- -Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak.
- -If not add more powder sugar ½ C at a time.
- -Test to make sure that the frosting can make and hold a stiff peak.
- -Divide the frosting equally into two bowls…..first bowl….add several drops of yellow gel food coloring…. second bowl…add several drops of green gel food coloring….mix well.
- -Scoop the green frosting into a pastry bag with a 13 inch round frosting tip…. then add the yellow frosting….twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip….Test to make sure that the combination of green and yellow frosting comes to the tip at the same time.
- -Frost cupcakes from the outside edge to the center of the cupcake.
- -Garnish with matching straw.
Kitchen Tools
- Muffin Pan
- Electric Mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Mixing Bowls
- Sifter
- Cupcake Liners
- Wire Rack
- Pastry Bag and Round Frosting Tip
Final Thoughts on These Zesty Mountain Dew Cupcakes
These Mountain Dew Cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a conversation starter, a burst of unexpected flavor, and a truly fun baking project. The bright, citrusy notes of Mountain Dew perfectly cut through the sweetness of the cake and frosting, creating a refreshing balance that’s hard to resist. The vibrant green and yellow frosting not only tastes amazing but also makes for a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
So, why not add a little fizz to your baking routine? Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and prepare to indulge in a batch of homemade Mountain Dew cupcakes that are utterly delightful. Don’t forget to share your creations with us online! Happy baking!