Saturday, March 12, 2011

Creamsicle Cupcakes


I've said it before, and I'll say it again:

Citrus treats should be enjoyed year-round...not just during the heat of summer, alongside a glass of lemonade.

For this reason, Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes will be included in the cupcake assortment featured at Liz's baby shower this weekend. These cupcakes are loaded with orange juice, orange extract, and even a little orange peel. I went with a lemon theme for the frosting, altering my simple buttercream recipe by using lemon juice instead of milk, and adding a dash of lemon extract.

Need a little more sweetness? A hint of decadence? Drizzle some melted white chocolate across the tops. More white chocolate only makes things better. I promise.

With that being said, I'm off to spend the better part of today preparing for tomorrow's baby-loving festival. May there be lots of games, plenty of tea sandwiches, and a bowl full of that delicious punch with a block sherbet floating on top.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
(adapted from a recipe in Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World)

If lemon isn't your thing, create an Orange Buttercream frosting by substituting orange juice and extract for the lemon juice and extract.

Cupcake Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 tsp. orange extract
  • 1 - 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, dusted with about 1/2 TBSP flour
Frosting Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3 - 1/2 confectioner's sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 - 3 TBSP lemon juice
  • extra milk, if needed
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.

2) Combine oil, sugar, milk, juice, and extracts in a large mixing bowl. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and zest. Beat for 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in white chocolate chips. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 - 23 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

3) To prepare frosting: Beat the butter and shortening for about 1 - 2 minutes. Add sugar, extract, and lemon juice and continue mixing. Add additional milk if needed for the consistency. Beat for 3 - 4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

18 comments:

  1. These look delicious -- I was at the Yankee Candle store yesterday and I kept smelling their Dreamsicle candle -- it smelled amazing! I might have to go back and get it :)

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  2. I heart dreamsicles! These cupcakes would make me happy. :)

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  3. What an awesome idea----I would love this...probably way too much!

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  4. awww these make me think of my childhood!! how yummy!

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  5. these look delicious!

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  6. These look so incredibly good! I agree that citrus should be year round. It's like pumpkin. Why do those things have to be seasonal?

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  7. Orange creamsicles take me back! Such a great flavor for a baby shower. I always feel like chocolate is too dark, but vanilla can be too plain. I'm sure they'll love these! They're so cute with the chocolate chips on the frosting. We totally had that sherbet punch at my friend's bridal shower. :D

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  8. Oh my goodness these look divine...Dangerous in my house that's for sure!!

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  9. I loved creamsicles growing up...but I know that I would love these cupcakes even more! What a great treat to share at a shower! Thanks for sharing, sweet girl! I hope you are having a splendid Saturday night. Take time to relax and rejuvenate tomorrow. Hugs from Austin!

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  10. Hello there... these sound fantastic.. I loved cremsicles as well..my fav was orange, being able to enjoy that taste in a cupcake... SWOON..

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  11. Oh these look so delicious!I totally agree citrus should be enjoyed all year long.

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  12. Creamsicles are the best childhood treat ever. I love that they inspired your cupcakes! My husband has been obsessed with Yoplait's orange creamsicle yogurt lately, and I am sure he would scarf these down in no time!

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  13. I love Creamsicles AND cupcakes- especially together! What a neat idea!

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  14. Oh dang girl!!! this looks so amazing. Great job~~I agree that citrus desserts/pastries are so good.

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  15. Yummm, I love creamsicles. I used to buy this shampoo for the sole purpose of the creamsicle smell, sooo lovely!

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  16. mmm we juiced some orange, apples, and pears yesterday so I've been loving my citrus! These cupcakes look incredible!

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