Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- Orange frosting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in orange zest: Fold in the grated orange zest.
- Fill muffin liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost: Once cooled, frost with orange frosting if desired.
Tips:
- For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly squeezed juice and zest from two oranges.
- You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
- To make the cupcakes extra moist, you can add a spoonful of sour cream to the batter.
- Get creative with your frosting! Try a cream cheese frosting, a buttercream frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Enjoy your delicious homemade orange cupcakes!