Mandarin Orange Cupcake

Soft n moist cupcakes flavored with freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice will surely satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. They are made with very simple ingredients and taste way better than store bought cake mix. This was one of my Spring break activity with kids. I tried my best to decorate these cupcakes with citrusy cream cheese frosting. 

Mandarin orange cupcake with cream cheese frosting:

Prep time- approx 15 minutes
Bake time- 14-15 minutes
Frosting and decorating time- approx 20 minutes
30 more minutes to set the frosting
Makes 12 cupcakes

For the cake~
1 1/2 unbleached all purpose flour(8oz dry measuring cup)
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice
1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
2 small eggs
1 1/2 tsp.  baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp.grated orange zest
12 baking cups or liners
1 12 cup muffing pan

For the frosting~
1 8oz packet 1/3 less fat cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 cup freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice  
12 orange segments 



Method~
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place the oven rack in the lowest position. Sift flour,baking powder and salt together and set aside. In a big bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add melted butter, orange zest and juice. Mix well until well combined. Now add sifted flour mixture, half cup at a time scraping the sides of the bowl  in between. Fold the mixture gently. Make sure not to over mix. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with baking papers or cupcake liners. Spoon the batter into each cupcake cup evenly.  Place muffin pan in the center of the oven rack. Bake for 14-15 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check for its doneness while they are still in the oven. If it comes out clean remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Make The frosting~
Whip cream cheese, butter and juice with a wire whisk. If butter and cheese are not soft enough, microwave for 10 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar. Whip until mixture is well blended. It may be bit sloppy. Don't worry, refrigerate for 30 minutes or until it is firm. Spread the frosting with back of a spoon or add in a piping bag fitted with a medium or large star tip and pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. Top with orange segments on each cupcakes if desired. Enjoy this tangy sweet cupcakes with or without frosting.