Sunburst Orange Flavored Cupcakes

Years ago I learned a trick for increasing the flavor in baking products. It is a simple trick of using flavored liquids rather that the water called for in a mix or recipe.

My first time was the substitution of pineapple juice in a pineapple upside down cake.  I have used that substitution many times since then.

Cupcakes are quite popular this time of year and the idea of orange flavored cupcakes just seemed like a great recipe to share.

Cupcakes
1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or substitute Orange extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
(You can use a mix and substitute the liquid called for with orange juice)

Frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure orange extract
2 cups confectioner’s sugar (icing or powdered sugar), sifted
1-2 tablespoons milk or light cream
(You can use premade frosting and stir in orange extract)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly butter or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the chosen extract.

In a separate bowl sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture (in three additions) and milk (in two additions), beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 18 - 20 minutes or just until set and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. With a knife or offset spatula, spread frosting on each cupcake. Garnish with orange sprinkles.  You can also garnish with orange segments. (Shown)

Makes 12 cupcakes.

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Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500