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!

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.

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.