Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Whipping up a batch of delightful orange creamsicle cupcakes with buttercream frosting promises pure joy and nostalgia.

Sweet memories of childhood summers dance through this delectable treat.

Zesty orange essence blends seamlessly with creamy vanilla undertones.

Each cupcake brings a burst of refreshing flavor that tingles your taste buds.

Soft, moist cake layers complement the silky smooth buttercream perfectly.

Baking these cupcakes feels like crafting edible sunshine right in your kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible dessert.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes With Dreamy Buttercream Frosting

• Burst with Nostalgic Flavor: Recreate the classic orange creamsicle taste in a delightful cupcake form that brings back childhood memories with every bite.
• Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and straightforward techniques that make creating gourmet cupcakes feel like a breeze.
• Customize Your Dessert: Experiment with different garnishes like orange zest or tiny citrus slices, allowing you to personalize these cupcakes for any special occasion or gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to wow friends and family with its vibrant orange flavor and creamy buttercream topping, making it ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or weekend dessert adventures.

What’s Needed For Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Today

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft and fine foundation that provides structure to the cupcake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a moist cake.
• Egg Whites: Contribute to the light and airy texture of the cupcakes.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb.

• Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
• Orange Juice: Gives a bright, citrusy flavor to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract, Orange Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange flavor and aromatic notes.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting base.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides a creamy and rich texture to the frosting.
• Orange Juice: Adds citrus flavor to the buttercream.
• Orange Extract: Intensifies the orange taste.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to create a vibrant orange color.

Steps For Fluffy Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F and line a cupcake pan with cute paper liners.

This prepares the perfect baking environment for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these together until they’re well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Gently fold in yogurt or sour cream, then gradually introduce egg whites, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Components

Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and orange juice, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Mix carefully until ingredients are just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Enhance with Citrus Punch

Fold in vanilla or orange extract and finely grated orange zest.

These will inject vibrant flavor into your cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.

Step 7: Craft Dreamy Frosting

Whip butter until creamy.

• Sifted powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange extract
• Food coloring

Mix until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth.

Step 8: Decorate with Flair

Once cupcakes are fully cooled, generously spread orange buttercream frosting.

Garnish with extra orange zest or small orange slices for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Tips For The Best Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Ever

• Use fresh, organic oranges for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor in your cupcakes.
• Gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain a light, tender cupcake texture.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing.
• Use a piping bag for a professional-looking swirl and even coverage of the buttercream frosting.
• Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcake Variations For Citrus Lovers

• Lemon Lover's Variation: Replace orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy citrus cupcake that brightens the dessert's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap standard flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers without compromising texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt, plant-based butter alternative, and almond milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains the cupcake's creamy consistency.
• Vegan Version: Replace egg whites with aquafaba or commercial egg replacer, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to transform the recipe into a completely vegan-friendly dessert that still delivers rich, classic flavor.

Creative Serving For Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these cupcakes in a cute carrier for outdoor gatherings, nestled carefully to preserve their delicate frosting.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand with other citrus-themed desserts like lemon bars or grapefruit tarts for a vibrant display.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve alongside mimosas or orange juice for a complementary citrus-inspired breakfast or brunch spread.
• Tea Party Elegance: Pair with light Earl Grey tea or chamomile to enhance the subtle orange flavor and create a sophisticated afternoon snack.

How To Store Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Easily

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.

FAQs

• What gives these cupcakes their distinctive orange flavor?

The orange juice, orange zest, and orange extract work together to create a bright, authentic citrus taste that makes these cupcakes taste like a classic creamsicle.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, use whole eggs instead of egg whites, and swap orange extract for vanilla if needed. The key is maintaining similar moisture and fat content.

• How do I ensure my cupcakes are moist and fluffy?

Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, don’t overmix the batter after adding flour, and be careful not to overbake. Remove cupcakes from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty orange creamsicle cupcakes bring nostalgic summer flavors dancing across sweet palettes. Creamy buttercream crowns these delightful treats, promising pure indulgence with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 3.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons thick yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or orange extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) soft unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon vanilla or orange extract
• 2 drops orange food coloring

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin pan, ensuring even spacing.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color. Incorporate yogurt, then gently add egg whites, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Carefully alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and orange juice, starting and concluding with the flour mixture. Mix until ingredients are just integrated, avoiding overmixing.
5. Gently fold in vanilla or orange extract and finely grated orange zest, distributing flavors evenly throughout the batter.
6. Distribute batter equally among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents moisture accumulation and maintains texture.
8. Whip butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, orange juice, extract, and food coloring, mixing until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy consistency.
9. Once cupcakes have cooled, generously pipe or spread orange buttercream frosting. Garnish with additional orange zest or delicate orange slice decorations for visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap yogurt or sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version that maintains moisture and tanginess.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, keeping the cupcakes light and enjoyable for those watching their sugar intake.
• Enhance orange flavor by soaking cooled cupcakes briefly in fresh orange juice before frosting, creating an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
• Ensure even baking by rotating the cupcake pan halfway through cooking time, preventing potential uneven browning or dry edges.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 296 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg