Meet your new favorite quick-and-magical dessert: Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes. This recipe feels almost too good to be true, combining just a box of cake mix and a can of soda to create the fluffiest, most flavorful cupcakes you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re baking with kids, need a last-minute treat for a party, or want something allergy-friendly (hello, egg-free and dairy-free!), these cupcakes deliver irresistible taste with nearly no effort. Let’s dive in and see how such simple magic comes together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) boxed cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 can (12 ounces) soda (regular, not diet; flavor should complement the cake mix)
How to Make Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—every fluffy cupcake begins with a good, hot oven! Next, line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps your cupcakes pop right out without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, pour in the dry cake mix. Then, open your soda (it’ll fizz and bubble—that’s the magic starting!) and add it to the bowl. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until you have a smooth batter, but don’t overmix; stop as soon as there are no more dry spots. The carbonation is what makes these cupcakes extra light, so keeping that fizz is important!
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full. The batter will be slightly bubbly and lighter than classic cake batter. This is normal—and means you’re on track for tall, fluffy cupcakes!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know the Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to peek too early; keeping the oven door closed helps them rise beautifully.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, feel free to top with your favorite frosting, a little powdered sugar, or dive right in. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!
How to Serve Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes
Garnishes
These cupcakes are a blank canvas for creativity! Dust them with powdered sugar, swirl on a little store-bought or homemade frosting, or add some colorful sprinkles for instant celebration vibes. For extra zing, a bit of grated citrus zest is irresistible on lemon or orange versions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes with a refreshing fruit salad, a cool scoop of non-dairy ice cream, or a handful of fresh berries. If you’re serving at a party, a platter of crisp cookies or chocolate-dipped pretzels rounds out the dessert spread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cupcakes into a cute tower for birthdays, or nestle them into decorative paper liners for a bake sale. Mini flags, edible flowers, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate instantly transform these humble treats into something eye-catching and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes fresh, store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and tender, thanks to the soda’s magic, and are just as delicious on day three as they are fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to make them ahead or save some for later, you’re in luck—these cupcakes freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and stash in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a cupcake craving strikes.
Reheating
Want to bring that fresh-from-the-oven warmth back? Pop a cupcake (unwrapped) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. It’ll be soft, fluffy, and almost as good as new. Just be sure not to overheat, or it can dry out!
FAQs
Can I use diet soda in this recipe?
It’s best to stick with regular soda rather than diet. The sugar and carbonation in regular soda are key to giving your Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes their tender, moist texture. Diet sodas might lead to cupcakes that are denser or fall flat.
Which cake mix and soda flavor combinations work best?
The possibilities are endless! Chocolate cake mix with cola is a classic, but try lemon cake with lemon-lime soda, strawberry cake with orange soda, or even spice cake with ginger ale for fun twists. Feel free to get creative and come up with your favorites!
Are Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes really egg-free and dairy-free?
Yes, as long as you use a standard boxed cake mix that doesn’t call for eggs or dairy (which most don’t), and pair with soda, this recipe is naturally free of eggs and dairy. It’s a wonderful option for anyone with certain allergies or sensitivities.
How can I tell when the cupcakes are fully baked?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! The tops should also be springy to the touch and lightly golden, depending on the cake mix used.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients for a big batch, or halve everything for a small batch if you only need six cupcakes. The baking time stays about the same; just check for doneness a few minutes early if making minis.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, absolutely delicious treat, I can’t recommend Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes enough. Whether you’re baking with little ones, sharing a batch at a party, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes bring instant joy with every bite. Give them a try—you may just find yourself coming back to this genius two-ingredient recipe again and again!
Print
Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Two-Ingredient Soda Cupcakes are a quick and easy dessert option that anyone can make. With just a boxed cake mix and a can of soda, you can whip up a batch of moist and delicious cupcakes in no time!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) boxed cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 can (12 ounces) soda (regular, not diet; flavor should complement the cake mix)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the soda. Stir until just combined and smooth; do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- You can mix and match flavors for fun combinations, like chocolate cake with cola or lemon cake with lemon-lime soda.
- These cupcakes are naturally egg-free and dairy-free, making them a great allergy-friendly treat.
- Optional: Top with store-bought or homemade frosting once cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
