Orange Cupcakes
Delightful orange cupcakes bursting with citrus flavor, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 2.5 cups 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 2 large 2 large fresh eggs Room temperature recommended.
- 0.5 cups ½ cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups ½ cup buttermilk See substitutions if not available.
- 0.5 cups ½ cup fresh orange juice Fresh juice preferred for best flavor.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp orange zest Use freshly grated zest.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 3 cups 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp fresh orange juice Fresh juice enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
Baking
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then blend in the orange juice and vanilla extract.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost them and sprinkle additional orange zest on top if desired.
Notes
For best results, always use fresh ingredients. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.