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Fluffy Creamsicle Cupcakes Recipe – Easy Vanilla Orange Swirl Frosting

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These Fluffy Creamsicle Cupcakes capture the nostalgic flavor of orange creamsicles in a soft, moist cupcake topped with a dreamy vanilla orange swirl frosting. Perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or a sweet treat any day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (160g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (60g)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60ml)
  • Zest from 1 large orange
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Vanilla Orange Swirl Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (120g)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (120g)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • Orange food coloring (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Zest and juice your orange and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter, oil, and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until combined and smooth.
  5. Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just incorporated. Pour in milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until you have a smooth, thick batter—do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 18-22 minutes, until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting: In a bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and smooth (2-3 minutes). If frosting is too thick, add a splash more orange juice.
  9. Divide frosting into two bowls. Tint one portion with orange food coloring (optional). Spoon both frostings side by side into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe high swirls onto cooled cupcakes for a marbled effect.
  10. Garnish with extra orange zest or sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately, or store as directed.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep cupcakes fluffy. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. If frosting is too runny, chill for 10 minutes before piping. Cupcakes can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days, frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze unfrosted for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamsicle cupcakes, orange vanilla cupcakes, summer dessert, easy cupcakes, swirl frosting, nostalgic dessert, bake sale, kid-friendly, party cupcakes

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/fluffy-creamsicle-cupcakes-recipe-easy-vanilla-orange-swirl-frosting/