Orange Cupcakes

These Orange Cupcakes are a delightful treat bursting with citrus flavor! Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cupcakes feature tender orange zest combined with a luscious orange curd filling and are topped with a fluffy orange frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The use of fresh orange juice and zest brings a refreshing citrus taste to each bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cupcakes in no time.
• Versatile Occasion Treat: Ideal for summer parties, picnics, or holiday celebrations.
• Customizable Frosting: Adjust the sweetness or add food coloring to make your cupcakes visually stunning.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: The combination of sour cream and butter ensures a deliciously moist cupcake.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Orange Cupcakes, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Ceramic saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer
• Lemon squeezer
• Whisk
• Microplane grater or zester
• Large piping bag
• Open star piping tip (like Wilton 1M)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing your batter and frosting to perfection.
• Microplane grater or zester: Essential for obtaining fine orange zest without bitterness from the pith.
• Ceramic saucepan: Ideal for making the orange curd as it distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching.

Ingredients

These Orange Cupcakes are absolutely packed with citrus flavor! They’re made with tender orange zest cupcakes, filled with silky smooth orange curd, and topped with fresh orange frosting!

For the Cupcakes

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest – zest of 1 large orange (6g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature (125g)
• 1/4 cup water, room temperature (60g)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (60g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
• orange gel food coloring – optional
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend (150g)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (6g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)

For the Orange Curd Filling

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest – zest of 1 large orange (6g)
• 2 large egg yolks or 1 large egg (56g)
• 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (45g)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (30g)

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest – zest of 1 large orange (6g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or a 1 lb. box)
• 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice (45g)

How to Make Orange Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add in sour cream, water, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg, vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter evenly into each cupcake liner in the muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 19 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 4: Make the Orange Curd Filling

While cupcakes bake:
1. In a ceramic saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, egg yolks or whole egg, fresh orange juice, salt, and zest.
2. Cook while stirring constantly until thickened; this should take about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter pieces until melted. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until incorporated.
3. Add vanilla extract, salt, freshness from your remaining orange juice and mix until fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once cooled:
– Use a small knife to cut out a cone from each cupcake center.
– Fill each cavity with cooled orange curd.
– Use an open star piping tip to pipe frosting onto each cupcake.

Enjoy your deliciously vibrant Orange Cupcakes!

How to Serve Orange Cupcakes

Orange cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. They are perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your orange cupcake experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside a selection of fresh fruits such as berries, kiwi, or sliced oranges. This adds color and freshness to your dessert table.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Pair your orange cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or citrus ice cream. The creamy texture complements the tangy flavor of the cupcakes beautifully.

Citrus Glaze Drizzle

• Drizzle a simple citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over each cupcake for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each cupcake with homemade whipped cream for a light and airy finish. You can add a hint of orange zest to the whipped cream for added flavor.

Festive Sprinkles

• Add colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting to make them more festive. This is especially fun for children’s parties or celebrations.

Tea or Coffee Service

• Serve your cupcakes with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. The warm drinks balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the orange.

How to Perfect Orange Cupcakes

To achieve the best orange cupcakes, consider these essential tips that guarantee moistness and flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Zest Your Oranges Freshly: Use fresh orange zest instead of pre-packaged versions. This will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cupcakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent over-baking.
• Cool Properly Before Frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting to avoid melting and sliding off.
• Experiment with Flavor Variations: Try adding different citrus zest like lemon or lime for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cupcakes

Serving side dishes with orange cupcakes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that pair well with these tasty treats:

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges, grapefruits, and mint tossed in a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Fruit Sorbet: A fruity sorbet offers a cool contrast; opt for flavors like lemon or mango for a vibrant pairing.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides a savory balance to the sweet flavors of orange cupcakes.
4. Nutty Granola: Add crunch with homemade granola made from oats, nuts, and honey—perfect as a topping alongside yogurt.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and richness that pairs well with citrus flavors.
6. Mini Muffins: Offer assorted mini muffins (like blueberry or banana) as an additional sweet treat that guests can enjoy alongside their cupcakes.
7. Herbal Tea Selection: Provide various herbal teas that complement citrus flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
8. Vegetable Platter: For a healthier option, serve assorted fresh vegetables with hummus dip, providing contrast against sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making orange cupcakes, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your baking game.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and flour. Using old ingredients can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Ignoring temperature: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can create lumps and affect texture.
• Overmixing batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cupcakes.
• Skipping the zest: Orange zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; use a microplane for the best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts. Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Orange Cupcakes

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container.

Reheating Orange Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about orange cupcakes.

How To Make Orange Cupcakes moist?

To keep orange cupcakes moist, ensure you don’t overbake them and consider adding a little extra sour cream or orange juice.

Can I make Orange Cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking time as necessary.

What can I use instead of orange curd?

If you don’t have orange curd, try using a fruit preserves or homemade citrus jam for filling your cupcakes.

Can I customize the frosting on my Orange Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like lemon or lime frosting for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

These orange cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile! Their bright citrus flavor makes them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them with different fillings or frostings to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Orange Cupcakes

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Orange Cupcakes, a delightful twist on classic treats! Bursting with fresh citrus notes, these cupcakes feature a tender orange zest base, filled with silky orange curd, and topped with a light and fluffy orange frosting. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday celebrations to casual afternoon snacks—these cupcakes are easy to make and customize. With their refreshing taste and visually appealing presentation, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Experience the joy of baking with this simple recipe that will brighten up your dessert table!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp orange zest – zest of 1 large orange
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 1/4 cup water, room temperature
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• orange gel food coloring – optional
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for curd)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest (for curd)
• 2 large egg yolks or 1 large egg (for curd)
• 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (for curd)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (for curd)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for curd)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest (for frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (for frosting)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (for frosting)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix in sour cream, water, orange juice, egg, and vanilla until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients without overmixing.
4. Divide batter among cupcake liners and bake for about 19 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. For the orange curd filling, whisk sugar, egg yolks (or whole egg), orange juice, salt, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Stir in butter pieces until melted; let cool.
6. Prepare frosting by beating softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar then mix in vanilla extract, salt, and fresh orange juice until fluffy.
7. Once cooled, fill each cupcake with orange curd and pipe frosting on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 19 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg