I’ve tried several cola-inspired cupcakes over the years and rarely tasted a true cola note. That led me to develop my own version—an indulgent cupcake with bright citrus and warm spice that evokes the flavour of cola. While nothing quite replaces an ice-cold soda, these cupcakes come close with their spicy-citrus character. Give them a try.
I top these cupcakes with a whipped cream buttercream to create a creamy, cola-float impression. Use your preferred whipped cream buttercream recipe; a light, airy frosting ties everything together beautifully.
COLA CUPCAKES
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 175 g plain flour
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 185 g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml cola
- 120 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (additional)
- 100 ml neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan bake).
- Sift the flour, cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large bowl. Add the caster sugar and a pinch of salt, then whisk to combine.
- Pour the 120 ml milk into a small jug and stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to curdle; this creates a tangy buttermilk substitute.
- In a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla extract, cola, oil, curdled milk, the additional teaspoon of lemon juice and the lemon zest.
- Beat the wet ingredients until smooth and evenly combined.
- On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just smooth. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a jug for easier portioning, then fill paper cupcake cases about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
- Pipe or spread a swirl of whipped cream buttercream over each cupcake for a creamy, float-like finish. For a playful touch, sprinkle cola-flavoured popping candy on top just before serving so it retains its fizz.
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