Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

Servings: cupcakes

Calories: 261cal

Heat oven to 350 F. Line two 12-cavity cupcake pans with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until blended.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and orange extract until blended.
3 large eggs, 2 Tablespoons grated orange zest, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon orange extract
Beat in the vanilla sugar. Add in oil, then buttermilk, until blended.
1 cup vanilla sugar, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk
On low speed, beat in the flour mixture just until blended. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each muffin cup.
Bake 25 to 28 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Beat the cream cheese, vanilla, orange extract, and orange zest in a medium bowl with a mixer on low speed to blend.
8 ounces brick style cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon orange extract, 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Add confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, and beat until fluffy.
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Beat in orange food color (if using) until light orange. Refrigerate until firm enough to spread.
Orange paste food color
TIP - You can make the frosting thicker by adding a small amount more of confectioners sugar until desired consistency is reached.

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This recipe calls for vanilla sugar, which is simply granulated sugar infused with vanilla beans. You can typically find it in the baking aisle, but if not, you can also purchase vanilla sugar online. If needed, you can substitute the vanilla sugar at a 1:1 ratio with regular granulated sugar.
To achieve that lovely creamsicle color in your frosting, you'll need to use orange paste food coloring. Simply stick a toothpick into the food coloring, and what comes out is all you will need! You can omit the food paste coloring altogether if desired; it's entirely just for aesthetics.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time30

Cook Time25

Total Time55