Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes (ice cream inspired)

Originally posted 2/22/2016

​About a year ago or so, I decided to write a cookbook for kids. I was able to scrape together an outline, but found myself so overwhelmed with ideas that the book was a bit scattered. I decided to take a break for a while, put the book aside and come back with fresh eyes. During my intermission from writing, I want to bake and bake and bake some more to get ideas for the book. (This led to starting a blog). Get the creative juices flowing!
One idea that I just had- is to bake a few ice cream inspired cupcakes. As I researched around, I realized that I am not the first person to think of this. I know…shocking.

The flavors I first contemplated were mint chocolate chip, rocky road, neapolitan, chocolate and peanut butter…. a standard theme of chocolate. I tried to think of a recipe that was not chocolate… sherbet, vanilla, strawberry, (all too boring) and then settled on orange creamsicle. I found a great recipe on A Simple Pantry and got ta bakin’!

Bob’s birthday was February 9th, but his stepsister and dad were not able to celebrate his birthday until this weekend. We were invited to his stepsister’s house tonight and I thought this would be a great time to test out this recipe … annnnnd use his family as willing (hopefully) guinea pigs!
These cupcakes were a huge success! Everyone loved them! I am still playing with the flavor a bit, but overall I would definitely recommend these cupcakes.  I have made a few adjustments based on my taste and flavor preferences, but thank you, A Simple Pantry!

RECIPEIngredients
For the cupcakes

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp  orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 3 tbsp orange zest, freshly grated
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 c heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp orange juice, freshly squeezed
• orange food coloring (gel)

Instructions
For the cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together, until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
4. Add the yogurt, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest.  Mix until combined.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix, until combined.
6. Line a muffin tin with paper cups, then fill each cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

For the Buttercream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, light corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
3. Add the heavy cream to receive desired consistency.
4. Add orange food coloring.

After the cupcakes are cooled and frosted… throw a slice of orange on top for fun!
Let me know your thoughts about this recipe and let me know any ice cream flavors that you think would make great cupcakes!!