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:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and orange juice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!