Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Real Grape Flavor : Made with crushed grapes or grape juice concentrate for authentic taste.
- Moist & Fluffy : Grape puree keeps the cupcakes tender and juicy.
- Vibrant Color : Naturally purple from grapes—no artificial dyes needed!
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Customizable : Top with sprinkles, fresh grapes, or even a hidden jam center.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 12 cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup grape juice concentrate (or ¾ cup fresh grape puree + ¼ cup milk)
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Grape Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp grape juice (or crushed grapes for a seedy texture)
- ½ tsp lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
- Optional : Purple food coloring for extra vibrancy
For Garnish:
- Fresh grapes , halved
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
- Crushed purple candies (like grape Jolly Ranchers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) . Line a muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and grape concentrate/puree.
- Gradually add dry ingredients. Mix until smooth (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Bake
- Divide batter into liners (fill ⅔ full). Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before glazing.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, grape juice, and lemon juice until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 5: Decorate & Serve
- Dip cupcake tops into glaze or drizzle with a spoon.
- Top with fresh grapes, sprinkles, or crushed candies.
Why This Recipe Works
- Grape Base : Concentrate or puree adds moisture and bold flavor without excess liquid.
- Balanced Sweetness : Lemon juice in the glaze cuts through the grape’s sweetness.
- Natural Color : Grape skins or concentrate give a stunning purple hue.