Orange Zest Cupcakes

We have been on the biggest cupcake kick here lately!  They are just so fun to make, not to mention delicious!!

I first tried this cupcake at a church event and knew I would have to give them a go.  I tweaked the recipe a little and they turned out delicious!

If you love orange like I do, you'll love this one.

Orange Zest Cupcakes

Recipe adapted from Your Cup of Cake

PRINT RECIPE

For the cake:

1 box Vanilla cake mix

2 eggs

 2 egg whites

1/3 cup oil

3/4 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons orange zest

1/2 teaspoon orange extract

White Chocolate Ganache:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Orange Buttercream:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange zest

1/2 teaspoon orange extract

1 tablespoon orange juice

oranges for decoration (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

Combine eggs, egg whites and oil.  Add the buttermilk, sour cream and vanilla and mix to combine.  Add the cake mix and stir until combined.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.  

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.  Remove cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the ganache, place white chocolate chips and heavy cream into a microwave safe bowl.  Heat at 30 second intervals until melted and smooth.  Dip the top of each cupcake into the ganache; set aside.

For the buttercream:  Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.  Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, extract and orange juice and beat until mixed well.  Add powdered sugar or more orange juice until it reaches the desired consistency.

Pipe frosting onto cupcakes.  I used a Wilton 2A large round tip.  Top with orange slices.