Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Step 2

Line a cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, beat together the lemon cake mix and Sprite for 2 minutes.

Step 4

Scoop the cupcake batter with a ⅓ measuring cup into the prepared cupcake liners.

Step 5

Bake cupcakes for 25-30 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered icing sugar for 2 minutes.

Step 8

Add the lemon extract and lemon zest, beat to incorporate. Then add milk as needed. Beat until fluffy.

Step 9

Scoop the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 10

Swirl the frosting onto the cupcakes to form a rose pattern.

Step 11

Sprinkle a touch of yellow sugar crystals in a crescent shape on one edge of the cupcake.

Step 12

Serve and enjoy!