Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - All-purpose flour: 1 1/3 cups.
02 - Freshly squeezed orange juice: 3.5 tbsp.
03 - Milk: 2 tbsp.
04 - Unsalted butter: 8 tbsp, room temperature.
05 - Sugar: ¾ cup.
06 - Thick yogurt or sour cream: 3 tbsp.
07 - Vanilla or orange extract: 1 tsp.
08 - Finely grated orange zest: ½ tsp.
09 - Large egg whites: 2.
10 - Baking powder: 1.5 tsp.
11 - Baking soda: ¼ tsp.
12 - Kosher salt: ¼ tsp.
13 - Sifted powdered sugar: 2.5 cups (for frosting).
14 - Soft unsalted butter: ½ cup (8 tbsp) (for frosting).
15 - Orange juice: 2 tbsp (for frosting).
16 - Orange food coloring: 2 drops.
17 - Vanilla or orange extract: ½ - 1 tsp (for frosting).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in yogurt or sour cream, then gradually add egg whites, beating well after each addition.
04 - Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
05 - Fold in the vanilla or orange extract and finely grated orange zest.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
07 - To prepare the frosting, whip the butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, orange juice, extract, and food coloring. Mix until fluffy and well combined.
08 - Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the orange buttercream frosting and garnish with orange zest or small orange slices.

Notes:

01 - These cupcakes are perfect for a bright, summery dessert that's full of citrusy flavor.
02 - Ensure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.