Orange Crush Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant orange flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice combined with soda for a lively taste.

• Moist and tender: Light cupcake texture with a delightful citrus punch.

• Unique twist: Incorporates Orange Crush soda for a subtle sparkle.

• Creamy frosting: Tangy orange cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly.

• Fun and festive: Ideal for parties, picnics, or anytime you crave a fruity treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Orange zest

• Orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• Orange Crush soda

• Vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Orange zest

• Orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest, orange juice, soda, and vanilla extract.

5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Bake: Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

8. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

9. Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra zest or orange slices if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Orange glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and orange juice glaze instead of frosting.

• Add pop rocks: Sprinkle on top for a fun fizzy surprise.

• Chocolate drizzle: Add melted chocolate for a decadent twist.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-free: Substitute butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

• Reheating: Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus sodas?

Yes, lemon-lime or grapefruit soda can be substituted for a different flavor.

How do I keep the cupcakes moist?

The soda and fresh juice help keep them tender and moist.

Can I make the frosting ahead?

Yes, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor but bottled works in a pinch.

Are these cupcakes very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness with bright citrus notes.

Can I add orange extract?

Yes, a small amount enhances the orange flavor.

How long do cupcakes keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated; best fresh.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in batches.

What frosting tips work best?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for a decorative finish.

Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based butter, cream cheese alternatives, and a vegan cake mix.

Conclusion

Orange Crush Cupcakes offer a delightful burst of citrus flavor combined with a fun fizzy twist. Their moist texture and tangy cream cheese frosting make them an ideal treat for warm-weather occasions or any time you want a fresh and festive dessert. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these cupcakes bring sunshine to every bite.

Orange Crush Cupcakes

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Orange Crush Cupcakes are bright, citrusy treats made with real orange juice, zest, and Orange Crush soda for a fun, fizzy twist. These soft, fluffy cupcakes are topped with a tangy orange cream cheese frosting that complements their vibrant flavor. Perfect for spring and summer parties, these cupcakes are easy to make, refreshingly fruity, and always a hit!

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Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

• ½ cup Orange Crush soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (to desired consistency)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

• Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time. Add orange zest, juice, Orange Crush soda, and vanilla extract.

• Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

• Bake: Fill liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Cool: Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

• Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.

• Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes. Garnish with orange zest or small orange slices if desired.

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Notes

Orange glaze option: Skip the frosting and drizzle with a powdered sugar-orange juice glaze.Add fizz: Top with orange Pop Rocks for fun and texture.Chocolate lovers: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for contrast.Citrus variation: Try lemon-lime or grapefruit soda for a twist.Frosting storage: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.