Imagine biting into a cupcake that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade with the rich, creamy smoothness of cream cheese frosting. These aren't just ordinary cupcakes - they're a gourmet experience that transforms a simple dessert into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a delightful afternoon snack, these Orange Marmalade Cupcakes are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Mix in the orange marmalade until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese in a clean mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
- Optional: Garnish with a small dollop of orange marmalade or orange zest for additional flavor and decoration.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to ensure cupcakes are fully baked - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let cupcakes cool entirely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Frosting Technique: For a professional look, use a piping bag with a star tip to create beautiful swirls of cream cheese frosting.
- Zest Enhancement: Fresh orange zest can add an extra layer of citrusy aroma to both the cupcakes and frosting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg