Coke Float Cupcakes

 

These fun cupcakes are perfect for summer picnics!

The cupcakes themselves are just a little twist on a vanilla cupcake.  I used Coke, reduced down to syrup, instead of some of the water, which gives the cupcakes a subtle Coke taste after baking.

For the frosting, I went with a strong pop of vanilla with vanilla bean paste to mimic ice cream - with a cherry on top, of course!

Coke Float Cupcakes

Cupcakes

2 cups Coca-Cola or Cherry Coke

1 (13.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix

1 (3.4 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding

½ cup water

¾ cup vegetable oil

1 (8 ounce) tub sour cream

4 eggs

Frosting

2 cups vegetable shortening

2 pounds powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

1 teaspoon butter extract

¼ teaspoon salt

6-8 tablespoons water

To decorate

Maraschino Cherries 

Paper straws, cut in 4ths 

Place the Coke in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a low boil and simmer until the volume is reduced to ½ cup of syrup.  Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.

Place all cupcake ingredients (including the Coke syrup) in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Mix until combined.

Scoop the batter evenly in the tins.  Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool completely on wire racks.

To make the frosting, place the frosting ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Beat until smooth, adding more water, if necessary.

Use a large scoop to drop frosting into each cupcake (it will look like a scoop of ice cream) or transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large tip and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.  Top with a maraschino cherry and paper straw

Makes 24 cupcakes