If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic cupcakes that brings a touch of nostalgia and an unexpected burst of flavor, the Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe is your next go-to treat. These cupcakes are wonderfully light and tender thanks to the soda in the batter, while the ice cream frosting adds a creamy, dreamy finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The blend of fizzy sweetness and luscious frosting creates a party in every bite, making these cupcakes perfect for celebrations or any day that deserves something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples, yet they combine to create a cupcake with amazing texture, moisture, and flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the soda that keeps the cake light to the cream cheese and ice cream that make the frosting irresistibly smooth and rich.
- 15 oz box of cake mix: The base of your cupcakes, providing structure and sweetness.
- 12 oz diet soda: Adds moisture and fizziness to lighten the cake without extra sugar.
- 1 egg white: Helps add fluffiness and lift to the batter for a perfect crumb.
- 1/3 cup butter (softened): Enriches the frosting with creamy depth and smooth texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Brings tanginess and stability to the frosting, balancing sweetness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream: Adds a unique creamy twist and subtle ice cream flavor to the frosting.
- 3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency for that perfect spreadable texture.
- 5 1/2 cups confectioners sugar: Sweeter and smoother than granulated sugar, crucial for silky frosting.
How to Make Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cupcake tray with liners. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with the diet soda and the egg white. Whisk everything together gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth. The soda will give the batter a light, airy texture—don’t worry if it looks a bit frothy!
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for roughly 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cupcakes will rise beautifully, thanks to the soda’s carbonation, resulting in a moist and tender crumb.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cream Frosting
While the cupcakes cool completely, it’s time to make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and the softened vanilla ice cream, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, alternating with milk as necessary, until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Finish
Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost them with the ice cream frosting. Use a spatula to swirl on the frosting or a piping bag for a fancier look. The frosting should stay firm enough to hold shape but still be delightfully soft.
How to Serve Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
These cupcakes shine on their own, but a little extra flair never hurts. Try topping them with sprinkles, crushed waffle cone pieces, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Fresh berries also add a refreshing contrast to the sweet frosting.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the richness. They also work wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cupcakes in colorful liners that match your event’s theme or arrange them on a tiered stand for a stunning dessert display. You could even add edible flowers for a delicate touch or stick a small wafer cookie on top to mimic the ice cream cone vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting contains dairy, so chilling keeps it fresh, and they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frosting and serving to maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, remove the frosting first and gently warm each cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Reapply frosting after warming for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular soda instead of diet soda in the Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular soda will add a little more sweetness and can make the cupcakes extra moist, though diet soda helps keep the sugar content down without sacrificing lightness.
What flavors of soda work best for this recipe?
Classic colas, lemon-lime sodas, or even cream soda all pair beautifully. Each will subtly influence the cupcake’s flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a non-dairy vanilla ice cream. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How long does it take to make the Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe?
The prep and baking time together are about 40 minutes, making this a fairly quick recipe that yields a wonderful, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake the cupcakes in batches if your oven space is limited. They’re perfect for parties or large gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on cupcakes that’s sure to bring smiles to any occasion. Once you try these, they might just become your favorite way to celebrate sweet moments, so grab your ingredients and start baking!
Print
Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Soda Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting combine the light, fluffy texture of soda cake with a rich and creamy ice cream-based frosting. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe uses a simple cake mix and diet soda to create moist cupcakes topped with a smooth frosting made from butter, cream cheese, and vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 15 oz box of cake mix
- 12 oz diet soda
- 1 egg white
Frosting
- 1/3 cup butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream
- 3 tbsp milk
- 5 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 15 oz box of cake mix with 12 oz of diet soda and 1 egg white. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and airy.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake tins with paper liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let them cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Ice Cream Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1/3 cup softened butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream, then continue to beat until well blended. Gradually add 5 1/2 cups confectioners sugar and 3 tablespoons milk, alternating between the two, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, frost them generously with the prepared ice cream frosting using a spatula or piping bag. Serve immediately or refrigerate to keep the frosting firm.
Notes
- Use diet soda to keep the cupcakes lighter and reduce sugar content.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best results, use softened butter and cream cheese at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
- The frosting contains ice cream, so refrigerate leftovers and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
- You can experiment with different cake mix flavors and matching soda flavors for variety.
