The Best Orange Cream Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Citrus Magic

Sweet bakers often dream about creating magical orange cream cupcakes that blend zesty citrus with smooth, dreamy textures.

Sunshine bursts through each delicate bite, promising pure delight.

Memories of summer afternoons dance across taste buds with every crumbly, moist morsel.

Delicate orange notes whisper promises of refreshing elegance in this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Creamy frosting swirls capture the essence of fresh-picked oranges, transforming ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Light and airy, these cupcakes invite you to savor a moment of pure culinary joy.

Bake these irresistible treats and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen.

Why Orange Cream Cupcakes Are A Bright Treat

• Boost Family Enjoyment: Craft a delightful dessert that brings everyone together, transforming ordinary moments into special memories with bright citrus flavors and creamy textures.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to explore intermediate techniques, this recipe teaches key skills like creating smooth batters, whipping cream, and decorating cupcakes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions from birthday parties to casual gatherings, these orange cream cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist on classic desserts that appeal to all ages.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Leverage common kitchen staples to create an impressive treat that looks and tastes gourmet, without requiring expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.

Orange Cream Cupcakes Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and contributes to the cupcakes' soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.

• Milk: Ensures a smooth and moist cake batter.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, fresh citrus flavor to the cupcakes.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cupcakes rise and enhance overall flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy orange cream filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream filling.
• Orange Juice: Adds additional citrus flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and complexity to the filling.

• Cream Cheese: Gives a tangy richness to the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides smooth texture and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy note to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

How To Bake Orange Cream Cupcakes Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Get all ingredients and baking tools ready on your counter.

Step 2: Create Butter Mixture

Cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well blended.

Step 4: Make Cupcake Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth consistency. Mix gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Orange Flavor

Fold in fresh orange zest, distributing it evenly throughout the batter to infuse a bright citrus essence.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Step 7: Bake Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cupcakes

Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before filling and frosting.

Step 9: Prepare Orange Cream Filling

• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Step 10: Create Cupcake Cavities

Use a piping tool or knife to create a small cavity in each cooled cupcake.

Step 11: Fill Cupcakes

Carefully fill the cavities with the prepared orange cream filling.

Step 12: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 13: Frost Cupcakes

Pipe or spread frosting generously over the filled cupcakes.

Step 14: Decorate

Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest or a small orange slice for a beautiful finishing touch.

Helpful Tricks For Orange Cream Cupcakes

• Zest Up Your Baking: Orange zest adds vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic notes to the cupcakes, enhancing overall taste and complexity.
• Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Avoid overmixing batter and overbaking to maintain moisture; check doneness with a toothpick at 18 minutes.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother blending and consistent texture.
• Pipe like a Pro: Use a piping bag with a round tip for uniform filling and frosting, creating a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Freeze for Later: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation.

Tasty Twists For Orange Cream Cupcakes

• Zesty Lemon Burst: Replace orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy citrus flavor profile that brightens the entire cupcake experience.
• Tropical Coconut Splash: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and replace some milk with coconut milk for a rich, island-inspired variation that adds texture and depth.
• Lavender Orange Dream: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the batter and frosting for an elegant, floral undertone that complements the citrusy orange notes.
• Chocolate Orange Fusion: Fold melted dark chocolate into half the batter, creating a marbled effect and adding rich chocolate undertones to the classic orange cream cupcake.

Perfect Pairings With Orange Cream Cupcakes

• Pair Zesty Champagne: Select a bright, crisp champagne like Prosecco to complement the orange cream cupcakes' citrusy notes. The bubbly texture and light sweetness will enhance the dessert's refreshing flavor profile.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Brew a smooth vanilla latte with subtle orange undertones. The warm, rich coffee will balance the cupcake's sweet and tangy elements, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Serve with Orange Sorbet: Add a scoop of cold, intense orange sorbet alongside the cupcake. This palate-cleansing dessert will amplify the citrus notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy frosting.
• Enjoy with Earl Grey Tea: Steep a fragrant Earl Grey tea, highlighting bergamot and citrus hints.

How To Store Orange Cream Cupcakes Properly

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months, keeping them moist and delicious for future enjoyment.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, protecting them from moisture and maintaining their soft, tender crumb.
• Store the orange cream filling separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, preventing separation and maintaining its creamy consistency.

Orange Cream Cupcakes Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor and zest, but bottled juice works as a substitute if fresh oranges aren’t available. Just ensure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugars.

• How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and carefully measure ingredients. Take cupcakes out of the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean, and don’t overbake. Incorporating milk helps maintain moisture in the cake.

• What if I don't have a piping tool for filling the cupcakes?

Use a small spoon or the back of a clean teaspoon to create a cavity in each cupcake. Alternatively, you can use a small knife to carefully cut a small hole in the center for filling.

Orange Cream Cupcakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful orange cream cupcakes bring zesty citrus magic to classic dessert lovers. Creamy frosting and tender cake create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp orange zest

Orange Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then incorporate eggs one at a time.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a dry ingredient mixture.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
5. Fold in orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill cupcake liners approximately 2/3 full with the prepared batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form for the orange cream filling.
10. Gently fold orange juice and vanilla extract into the whipped cream mixture.
11. Using a piping tool or knife, create a small cavity in each cooled cupcake.
12. Fill the cavities with the prepared orange cream filling.
13. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth for the frosting.
14. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the frosting.
15. Pipe or spread frosting generously over the filled cupcakes.
16. Optional: Garnish with additional orange zest or a small orange slice for decoration.

Notes

• Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even baking texture.
• Grate orange zest carefully to avoid including bitter white pith, which can affect flavor.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; mix until ingredients are just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend.
• Enhance orange flavor by adding a splash of orange extract to both batter and frosting.
• Cool cupcakes completely before filling to prevent cream from melting and losing structure.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking frosting application and elegant presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg