Prepare to embark on a citrusy culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary sensory experience! These Dreamy Creamy Orange Cupcakes are not just another dessert - they're a burst of sunshine in every single bite. With a perfect balance of zesty orange flavor and tender, moist cake, these cupcakes are about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality cupcakes right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed, ensuring there are no lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated before proceeding to the next step.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice and add the orange zest to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a spatula or a spoon, gently fold the batter to ensure it is smooth and well combined, but avoid overmixing.
- Evenly distribute the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream. Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the Dreamy Creamy Orange Cupcakes and enjoy the delightful citrus flavor!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and orange juice are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even batter.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting your orange, only scrape the bright orange part of the peel. The white pith underneath can make your cupcakes bitter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cupcakes.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cupcakes are perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful, smooth finish.
- Storage Tip: These cupcakes stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
