Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
🎯 Yields: 12 cupcakes
⏱️ Time: ~1 hour (including baking and cooling)
(Prep: 15 min | Bake: 18–22 min | Cool & Frost: 20 min)
📝 Ingredients
For the Orange Soda Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)
½ cup orange soda (like Fanta or any carbonated orange drink)
¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2–3 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired thickness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed, for added flavor)
1 tsp orange zest (optional, for a little extra citrus punch)
🔧 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
Gradually mix in half of the flour mixture, followed by the orange soda, and then the remaining flour mixture. Alternate between the flour and soda to keep the batter smooth.
Add the sour cream and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners (fill about ¾ full).
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest (optional).
Chill the frosting for about 10 minutes if it feels too soft to pipe or spread.
5. Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Optionally, garnish with orange zest or small orange slices for a cute, extra pop of color!