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.
