Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I watched a group of kids laugh and dash around the backyard, I realized that summer isn’t complete without a sweet treat to enjoy in the sunshine. Enter these Lemon Lime Cupcakes—effortlessly made with lemon-lime soda and a smooth cream cheese frosting that’ll leave everyone asking for more. Not only are these soda cupcakes a breeze to whip up, but they also offer a light, refreshing twist that perfectly complements those warm days. With a moist texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy frosting, they are destined to become your go-to summer dessert. Are you ready to make your gatherings even more memorable with these delightful bites? Let’s dive into this deliciousness! Why Are These Cupcakes a Must-Try? Refreshing, Bright Flavor: These Lemon Lime Cupcakes burst with a zesty taste, making them a perfect summer treat. Quick and Easy: With a box cake mix, baking becomes hassle-free, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Their vibrant color and creamy frosting are sure to impress guests, making them ideal for parties. Versatile Base: Feel free to experiment with different soda flavors—imagine cherry soda cupcakes for a fun twist! Make Ahead: Save time by preparing the frosting a few days in advance, so you can focus on the fun! Add these delightful cupcakes to your summer menu along with Strawberry Mango Cupcakes for a fruity spread, or serve them with Chili Lime Chicken for a refreshing meal finish! Lemon Lime Cupcake Ingredients • The delicious journey begins here! For the Cupcakes Box White Cake Mix – This serves as the base, giving your cupcakes a perfect structure. Substitution: Yellow cake mix can add a richer flavor. Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cupcakes moist without the fuss of creaming butter. Note: Melted coconut oil is a lovely alternative! Egg Whites – Essential for stability and structure without the added fat from yolks. Prep Note: Let eggs sit at room temperature for easier mixing. Lemon Lime Soda – The star ingredient acts as a leavening agent, creating that delightful fluffy texture. Note: You can use other fruit-flavored sodas for a fun twist! Lime Gelatin Mix – Elevates the flavor and adds moisture to the cupcakes. Note: Omit if unavailable, but it’ll be less zesty. For the Cream Cheese Frosting Salted Butter – Adds richness to the frosting, making it so creamy. Substitution: Unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch of salt. Cream Cheese – The key to a tangy and creamy frosting! Note: Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection. Note: Adjust the amount for your preferred level of sweetness. Vanilla Extract – Brings a lovely depth of flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended! Half-and-Half – Adjusts the consistency of frosting for easy spreading. Substitution: Milk or cream can work well too. For Decoration Green Food Coloring – Optional, but adds a fun, festive touch to match the light and refreshing theme. Green Sprinkles – Perfect for that finishing touch and extra visual appeal! With these ingredients, you’ll be all set to create your delightful Lemon Lime Cupcakes! Enjoy the baking experience, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Lime Cupcakes Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners, adding a cheerful touch to your Lemon Lime Cupcakes. This simple step prepares your kitchen for the delightful baking process ahead. Step 2: Mix the Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine the box white cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and lemon lime soda. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until they’re just incorporated; be careful not to overmix. Stir in the lime gelatin mix gently until combined, ensuring the batter retains its fluffy texture. Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely. Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting While your cupcakes cool, it’s time to create the creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and lime gelatin mix, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and half-and-half until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Step 5: Decorate Your Cupcakes Once your Lemon Lime Cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to bring them to life with frosting! If desired, tint your cream cheese frosting with green food coloring for a fun look. Using a piping bag or a simple spatula, frost each cupcake generously, creating swirls or smooth tops. For a delightful finish, sprinkle green sprinkles on top to add a festive touch. How to Store and Freeze Lemon Lime Cupcakes Fridge: Store leftover frosted Lemon Lime Cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their moistness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to enjoy! Reheating: If you prefer a warm cupcake, gently microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Frost after warming for the best results! Room Temperature: Unfrosted cupcakes can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they’re always ready for a sweet snack. Tips for the Best Lemon Lime Cupcakes Mix Carefully: Avoid overmixing the batter. This could lead to dense lemon lime cupcakes instead of light, fluffy ones. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better incorporation. This enhances the cupcake’s texture! Storage Secrets: Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Creative Flavor Twists: Try using different soda flavors, like cherry or orange, to create unique cupcake variations that will surprise your guests! Make Frosting Ahead: Prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 3 days in advance to save time on the day of your gathering. Fun Decorations: Don’t shy away from expressing creativity! Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make your lemon lime cupcakes even more festive. What to Serve with Lemon Lime Cupcakes Indulging in delightful desserts is even more enjoyable when accompanied by the perfect pairings to create a memorable meal experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of watermelon, berries, and kiwi adds a refreshing and healthy contrast to the sweet cupcakes. Zesty Lemonade: This tart beverage enhances the cupcakes’ citrus flavor while keeping you cool on a warm day, making it a perfect summer sip. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky, savory notes of grilled shrimp provide a delicious balance to the sweetness of the cupcakes, creating a delightful contrast. Coconut Rice: Soft, creamy coconut rice adds a tropical flair, perfectly complementing the citrus notes of the cupcakes while bringing a cozy, comforting texture. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The sweet and salty combination makes for a playful snack that rounds out the dessert table perfectly. Pistachio Ice Cream: The nutty flavor enhances your cupcake experience, while the cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the cupcakes. Sparkling Water with Lime: This bubbly drink cleanses the palate and refreshes, pairing beautifully with the light and zesty flavor profile of the lemon lime cupcakes. Lemon Lime Cupcakes Variations & Substitutions Feel free to personalize these Lemon Lime Cupcakes with your unique twist, adding flavors that excite your palate. Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the same tangy delight. Different Soda: Use other flavored sodas, like orange or cherry, to create a fun palette of flavors for your cupcakes. Zesty Kick: Add lime zest to the batter for an extra punch of citrus flavor, bringing a brightness that reflects the summer sun. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste! Coconut Cream Frosting: For a tropical flair, replace the cream cheese with whipped coconut cream for a delightful, airy frosting. Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the batter for a zingy twist that beautifully complements the citrus. Mini Cupcakes: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized goodness that’s perfect for gatherings or snack time! Sweet Tea Pairing: Serve these cupcakes alongside a refreshing glass of sweet iced tea for a classic, summertime treat. For even more fun with flavor, don’t forget to check out the delicious Strawberry Mango Cupcakes or brighten up your meal with Chili Lime Chicken to round out your citrus-themed feast! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Lime Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy stress-free baking! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and refrigerating it (just cover the bowl with plastic wrap). Additionally, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its luscious texture. When you’re ready to bake, fill your cupcake liners, pop them in the oven, and once they cool, frost them for a fresh taste. This way, you’ll have delightful cupcakes ready with minimal effort, making your busy days a bit sweeter! Lemon Lime Cupcakes Recipe FAQs How do I select the best lemons and limes for my cupcakes? Absolutely! When choosing lemons and limes, look for fruits that feel firm and heavy for their size, with a smooth, shiny skin. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness. For the most intense flavor, pick ones that are slightly soft to the touch, as they tend to have more juice. What’s the best way to store Lemon Lime Cupcakes? To keep your frosted Lemon Lime Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps preserve their moist texture. If you’ve made them without frosting, they can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days without losing flavor. Can I freeze Lemon Lime Cupcakes? If so, how? Certainly! To freeze your Lemon Lime Cupcakes, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost as desired! Why are my cupcakes dense and not fluffy? Very! If your Lemon Lime Cupcakes turned out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten. Remember to mix just until everything is combined. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents will affect the rise. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes! These Lemon Lime Cupcakes contain egg whites and dairy from the cream cheese frosting. If allergies are a concern, consider using egg replacers and dairy-free cream cheese. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. How can I make my cupcakes more zesty? To amp up the citrus flavor in your Lemon Lime Cupcakes, you can add zest from both lemon and lime directly into the batter. This will give your cupcakes a refreshing punch! Just about a teaspoon of each should do the trick. Lemon Lime Cupcakes That Feel Like Sunshine in Every Bite No ratings yet Lemon Lime Cupcakes are a refreshing treat bursting with zesty flavor, perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cupcakesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cupcakes1 box White Cake Mix Yellow cake mix can add a richer flavor.1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil is a lovely alternative!4 large Egg Whites Let eggs sit at room temperature for easier mixing.12 oz Lemon Lime Soda You can use other fruit-flavored sodas for a fun twist!1 packet Lime Gelatin Mix Omit if unavailable, but it’ll be less zesty.For the Cream Cheese Frosting1/2 cup Salted Butter Unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch of salt.8 oz Cream Cheese Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.4 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust the amount for your preferred level of sweetness.1 tsp Vanilla Extract It's optional but highly recommended!1/4 cup Half-and-Half Milk or cream can work well too.For Decoration2 drops Green Food Coloring Adds a fun, festive touch.1 cup Green Sprinkles Perfect for that finishing touch. Equipment muffin tinMixing BowlHand Mixerpiping bag Method Baking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.In a large mixing bowl, combine the box white cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and lemon lime soda. Mix on medium speed until just incorporated.Gently stir in the lime gelatin mix until combined, ensuring the batter remains fluffy.Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.Let the cupcakes cool completely before preparing the frosting.In a mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and lime gelatin, followed by powdered sugar and half-and-half.Once cooled, frost each cupcake and decorate with green sprinkles and food coloring if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 110mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Unfrosted cupcakes can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
