Orange and Chocolate Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Category: Desserts
Serves: 12
These delightful Orange and Chocolate Cupcakes combine the zesty flavor of fresh oranges with rich, velvety chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. With a tender crumb and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting, they make the perfect sweet bite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 270g |
| Sugar | 200g |
| Corn oil (or vegetable oil) | 100ml |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 40g |
| Fresh orange juice | 150ml |
| Baking powder | 10g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Dark chocolate chips | 70g |
| Orange zest | 1 |
For the Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream (whipping cream) | 300ml |
| Powdered sugar | 200g |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 200g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Orange flavoring (or extract) | To taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Pour in the corn oil and whisk everything together. Next, add the sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir well until the batter is fully combined and smooth. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
3. Add Chocolate Chips and Orange Flavor:
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and the freshly squeezed orange juice, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The orange juice will give the cupcakes a beautiful citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
4. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing during baking.
5. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
6. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream until soft peaks form. Add 150g of powdered sugar to the whipped cream and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
8. Mix the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cocoa powder, and the remaining 50g of powdered sugar. Add a few drops of orange flavoring to taste, and mix until smooth. Gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.
9. Decorate the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, fill a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle with the frosting. Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in a decorative swirl. Finish by sprinkling a bit of grated orange zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Orange and Chocolate Cupcakes are now ready to enjoy! These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. The balance of rich chocolate and refreshing orange makes every bite a delightful treat!
Tips:
- You can make these cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, consider adding a small piece of candied orange peel on top of each cupcake before serving.
- If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, you can add a bit more orange zest to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake):
- Calories: Approx. 310 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
These cupcakes are a wonderful balance of light, fluffy cake and creamy frosting with the perfect touch of citrus and chocolate. Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even at a special gathering!
