Mountain Dew Cupcakes

A friend of mine found this recipe and was thinking of people that love Mountain Dew. She passed it on to me as she knew I was going to be visiting one of our friends that has to be the biggest Mountain Dew fans we know. If you don't drink Mountain Dew all the time, I don't think you would immediately think, "Wow, these taste like Mountain Dew!" However, they are WONDERFUL lemon lime cupcakes that I will certainly make again! As an FYI - I couldn't find my micro-planer get the zest from the lemons and limes. Instead, I used lemon and lime oils that I have on hand. I realize this isn't something most people have on hand, but I'm sure it's equally good with the flecks of zest in the cupcakes and frosting.

Mountain Dew Cupcake Ingredients

1 c. butter (2 sticks)
2 c. sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 c. Mountain Dew

1 Lemon, juice and zest

1 Lime, juice and zest
1 1/2 t. lemon extract
2-3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Mountain Dew Frosting Ingredients

1 c. butter (2 sticks)
4-5 c. powdered sugar
2 T. Mountain Dew
1/2 Lemon, juice and zest

1 Lime, juice and zest
1 t. lemon extract

neon green food coloring (yellow and blue if you dont have green)

Directions

1. To make cupcakes, beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar and lemon and lime zest. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of bowl in between additions
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.  Fold into sugar mixture.
5. Add the Mountain Dew, lemon and lime juice, and lemon extract.  Mix to combine.
6. Scoop into cupcake papers about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.
8. To make frosting, beat butter at medium-high speed until creamy
9. Add half of the sugar, turn mixer on low for 5 seconds.
10. Add the Mountain Dew, zest, and lemon extract . Beat until combined.
11. Add food coloring to the desired color.
12. Gradually add remaining sugar until you get to the consistency and sweetness you like.
13. Frost cupcakes when they are completely cooled.