"Mountain Dew" Cupcakes

As a Mountain Dew junkie, I can honestly say that these were a little disappointing. As a citrus fan, I would say these were fantastic! The crew at work liked them, but I am probably going to tweak the recipe if I attempt these again. The flavor was excellent (as long as you're a citrus fan) and the consistency was fine, I just feel a little misled with the Mountain Dew Cupcake title.

"Mountain Dew" Cupcakes

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

3/4 cup Mountain Dew

1/4 cup of lemon and lime juice (juice from 1 lemon and 1 lime)

Zest from half of one lemon and 1 whole lime

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Beat butter on medium for 30 seconds. Add sugar and lemon, lime zest. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, Scrape sides of bowl in between additions

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add to mixer bowl. Turn on low for 5 seconds.

Add the Mountain Dew, lemon/lime juice, and lemon extract . Mix to combine.

Scoop into cupcake papers about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.

"Mountain Dew" Buttercream

1 cup butter

4-5 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons Mountain Dew

Juices from half of 1 lemon and half of 1 lime

Zest from half of 1 lemon and 1 whole lime

1 teaspoon lemon extract

Neon green food coloring OR Yellow & Green Sprinkles

Beat butter at medium-high speed until creamy - about 5 minutes. Mix in about half of the powdered sugar.

Add the Mountain Dew, zest, and lemon extract . Beat until combined. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar until you get to the consistency and sweetness you like.