Orange Sunshine Cupcakes Recipe

These bright and flavorful orange cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. They’re light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus goodness.

Ingredients:

  • For the Cupcakes:
    • 121​ cups all-purpose flour
    • 121​ teaspoons baking powder
    • 21​ teaspoon baking soda
    • 41​ teaspoon salt
    • 21​ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 21​ cup buttermilk
    • 41​ cup fresh orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 21​ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • Optional: orange food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and orange juice.
  6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
    • Stir in the orange zest.
  7. Fill and Bake:
    • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
    • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
    • Beat in the orange juice and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
    • Add optional food coloring.
  9. Frost and Serve:
    • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the orange cream cheese frosting.
    • Garnish with extra orange zest or orange slices, if desired.
    • Enjoy!

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