Lemon Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

🍋 Lemon-Lime 7UP Soda Cupcakes

Fluffy, citrus-kissed cupcakes with a bubbly twist, topped with zesty buttercream and a playful straw garnish!

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🧁 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix (or white/yellow + 1 tsp lemon extract)

• 1 cup 7UP soda (not diet—regular for best rise!)

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• Zest of 1 lemon + zest of 1 lime (about 1 tbsp total)

For the Lemon-Lime Buttercream:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp 7UP soda (reduced to syrup*—see note)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lime zest

• Pinch of salt

• Green & yellow food coloring (optional, for swirl effect)

Garnish:

• Mini paper straws (cut into thirds)

• Extra citrus zest or thin lime slices

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📝 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk cake mix, 7UP, oil, eggs, and citrus zests until smooth (small lumps okay—don’t overmix!).

3. Fill liners ⅔ full (7UP makes them rise extra!). Bake 16–19 minutes until tops spring back. Cool completely.

2️⃣ 7UP Syrup for Buttercream (Optional but Recommended):

• Simmer ¼ cup 7UP in a saucepan until reduced to 1 tbsp thick syrup. Cool before using. (Boosts flavor!)

3️⃣ Make the Buttercream:

1. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in 7UP syrup, lemon juice, lime zest, and salt.

2. For a swirl effect, divide frosting into two bowls. Tint one pale yellow and one pale green.

3. Load both into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (no mixer? Just swirl with a knife!).

4️⃣ Decorate:

• Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Add a straw piece and a sprinkle of zest.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Flavor boost: Brush cupcake tops with lemon-lime simple syrup (equal parts sugar + 7UP, heated until dissolved).

• No cake mix? Use [homemade lemon cake recipe link].

• Storage: Keep airtight for 2 days (7UP keeps them moist!).

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🌟 Why You’ll Love These

✅ Effortless & fun—7UP adds magic fluffiness!
✅ Tangy + sweet—like a soda in cupcake form.
✅ Party-ready—the straws make them pop!

Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just because! 🎉🍰 #7UPCupcakes #CitrusDessert

*(Note: For alcohol-free, ensure 7UP is non-alcoholic. Diet soda won’t provide the same texture!)*