These Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are sunshine in a treat! With a fluffy vanilla cake and a creamy orange frosting, they remind you of warm summer days.
You can’t help but smile when you take a bite—each one is like a sweet memory from childhood. I like to pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate delight!
Making these cupcakes is a breeze. Just mix, bake, and frost! They’re perfect for parties or just a fun treat any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main structure for the cupcakes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had good results with blends that include xanthan gum, which helps with texture.
Granulated sugar: Classic white sugar keeps the cupcakes sweet. You can try using coconut sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute like Stevia if you want to make it lower in calories. Just be sure to follow the conversion ratios!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can substitute with equal parts vegetable oil or even applesauce for a healthier twist. I’ve tried it with coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor, and it works great!
Orange Zest: This ingredient is crucial for that refreshing orange flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled orange extract. But fresh zest is fresher and more aromatic, which I always prefer!
Cream cheese: It provides that creamy texture for the frosting. If you need a dairy-free version, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives. They can work quite well in this recipe!
How Do You Get Perfectly Fluffy Cupcakes?
Mixing the batter correctly is key to fluffy cupcakes! Start by creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which helps the cupcakes rise. Here’s how:
- Use room-temperature butter; it’s easier to cream properly.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time. This ensures each egg is absorbed fully into the batter.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients. This keeps the batter smooth without overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
Letting the batter sit too long can deflate the air bubbles you’ve created, so bake as soon as it’s ready!
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnishing:
- Additional orange zest
- Optional: candy or edible decorations
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake the cupcakes. Don’t forget to allow time for the cupcakes to cool before frosting, which should add about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners so your cupcakes won’t stick.
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes!
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
Now, add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, making sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the zest from your orange, giving it a lovely citrus aroma.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until everything is combined nicely!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Now, divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Fill each cup about 2/3 full. This ensures they’ll have room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Cupcakes:
Pop the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of one cupcake—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cupcakes are cooling, let’s whip up the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s creamy and well combined.
8. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are cool, it’s frosting time! Use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with your creamy orange frosting. Just look at how beautiful they become!
9. Garnish Your Cupcakes:
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle additional orange zest on top or add some colorful candy decorations if you like. It makes them even more festive!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your scrumptious Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with friends, family, or just treat yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute The Eggs In This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make these cupcakes egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana. Both options will help retain moisture and add a hint of flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
To store leftover cupcakes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will last for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
What Other Frosting Options Can I Use?
You can certainly get creative with the frosting! A classic vanilla buttercream or even a whipped cream frosting would be fantastic on these cupcakes. For a chocolate twist, try adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese frosting for a chocolate-orange flavor combo!
Can I Use Fresh Orange Juice Instead of Bottled?
Yes, fresh orange juice is a wonderful substitute and can enhance the flavor of your frosting. Just make sure to strain it to remove any pulp if you prefer a smoother frosting texture. It’ll give your cupcakes a brighter, more vibrant taste!
