Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup orange soda (preferably a clear soda like Sprite or 7-Up)
¼ cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for flavor)
For Decoration (optional):
Orange zest or orange slices
Sprinkles
Directions:
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and orange soda. Be sure to mix just until combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating between the two and mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
Add vanilla and orange juice: Add the vanilla extract and orange juice (if using), and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth, light, and fluffy.
Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more orange juice or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.
Decorate (optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a slice of orange for an extra touch of citrus flavor. You can also add sprinkles if desired.
Serve and enjoy! These Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a zesty and refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion.
The combination of the tangy cream cheese frosting and the citrusy, bubbly orange soda cupcakes makes for a unique and delightful dessert. Enjoy!