Creamsicle Cupcakes

By Nicole S

Ingredients

• Orange Cupcakes:
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t.salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 T grated orange zest
• 2 t. vanilla
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Orange Cream Frosting:
• 1 pkg. cream cheese
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 t. grated orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• orange paste food color (optional)
• Garnish: strips of orange peel

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cupcakes: Heat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt until blened.
3. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs, orange zest and vanilla until blended. Beat in remaining 1 cup sugar. Beat in oil, then buttermilk, until blended.
4. With mixer on low speed, beat in flour mixture just until blended. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each muffin cup.
5. Bake 25 to 28 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
6. Frosting: Beat cream cheese, vanilla and orange zest in a medium bowl on low speed to blend. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in orange food color (if using) until light orange. Refrigerate until firm enough to spread.
7. Spread about 1 T frosting on each cupcake. Garnish if desired.