Description
Delight in the nostalgic flavor of Dreamsicle Cupcakes, combining zesty orange and creamy vanilla in a moist, fluffy cupcake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a classic creamsicle treat in a handheld dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring a smooth base for your batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, orange extract, and the zest of one orange for vibrant flavor.
- Combine Batter: Add the flour mixture in three portions, alternating with the whole milk and freshly squeezed orange juice, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract, orange extract, and the zest of half an orange.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency suitable for frosting.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and optionally garnish with additional orange zest for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- For a stronger orange flavor, substitute freshly squeezed orange juice with orange juice concentrate.
- Chill the frosting for 10 to 15 minutes before piping to achieve a firmer texture and cleaner decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
