CA Girl Cupcakes

Had to call this a CA cupcake because anytime I think of oranges I think of Southern California where I grew up.  When I was in the fifth grade we moved into a new house and we were surrounded by orange groves.  When the orange blossoms were in bloom it was like you were living in heaven it smelled so sublime.  I can remember walking home from Sunset Elementary and feeling like I wanted to just sing and skip all the way home with the sun high in the sky breathing in the wonderful aroma.  Oh, guess what, I did.  O.K. no more corn.  I was in a trance there for a minute.

This is a moist cake with a light flavor of orange topped with orange zest cream cheese frosting.  It's adapted from Paula Deen's Fresh Orange Cake recipe.  I halved it to make one dozen cupcakes.  If you want to make a layer cake or more cupcakes you will need to double the recipe for the cake and frosting.  Garnish with orange slices.

CA Girl Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  Add oil, orange juice, orange zest, eggs, and sour cream.  Beat at medium speed with a mixer until smooth.  Pour into cupcake papers and bake on 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes depending on your oven.  Makes one dozen.  Let cool completely before frosting.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese, (this is half a bar)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/8 cup fresh orange juice
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar depending on the consistency you want.

In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and orange zest at medium speed with a mixer until creamy.  Add orange juice, beating until combined.  Gradually, on low speed, add powdered sugar beating until smooth and creamy.

TIP* Remember in the summer months to keep cupcakes in a cool area.  This does not mean you have to refrigerate them.  Cupcakes tend to dry out if refrigerated.  If you feel you must refrigerate them remember to bring them to room temperature before serving.  Cold frosting is like eating a chunk of butter.