Description
Delight in creamy, zesty Creamsicle Mini Cupcakes with Orange Vanilla Frosting perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine a moist, tender cupcake bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, paired with a smooth frosting that balances vanilla bean sweetness and vibrant citrus flavor. Easy to make and customize, they offer a refreshing and irresistible flavor experience ideal for parties, brunches, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Zest oranges carefully to avoid bitter pith. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini cupcake pan with liners or grease well.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even rise and delicate crumb.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar until smooth and pale. Gradually add vegetable oil, milk, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing until smooth and uniform without over-mixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Fill mini cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Orange Vanilla Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar along with fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice. Add orange food coloring if desired for color.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are cooled, spread or pipe frosting generously on each. Garnish with a small piece of orange peel or a sprinkle of zest for extra charm.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Do not over-mix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Soften butter to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Start checking cupcakes a few minutes early as oven temperatures vary.
- Allow cupcakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cupcake with frosting
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creamsicle, Mini Cupcakes, Orange Vanilla Frosting, Citrus, Party Treat, Bite-sized Dessert