Orange Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cupcakes are made with orange frosting, which makes these cupcakes taste even better. They have a soft crumb and a bright orange flavor that goes well with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Orange food coloring optional
• Cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a cupcake pan with paper liners

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture

Mix until just combined

If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring to achieve the desired color

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with cream cheese frosting and garnish with additional orange zest or decorations of your choice