Orange Soda Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍊🧁
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (180ml) orange soda (Fanta, Sunkist, etc.)
Zest of 1 orange
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest (optional)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
Alternately add dry ingredients and orange soda, mixing until just combined.
Stir in food coloring (if using).
Bake
Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Mix in orange zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor).
Frost & Serve
Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes.
Garnish with orange zest, sprinkles, or a mini orange slice!