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Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes with Luscious Cream Filling

There are some flavor combinations that just sing to my soul, and citrus paired with creamy sweetness is undeniably one of them. I remember a sweltering summer afternoon, years ago, when I first dreamt up these Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes. I was tinkering with a beloved vanilla frappuccino cupcake recipe, aiming to capture that perfect balance of bright citrus and indulgent cream, much like a beloved frozen treat. The thought of a delicate orange-infused cake, crowned with a fluffy orange buttercream, and, most importantly, boasting a hidden core of cool, sweet cream, felt like pure dessert alchemy. That first bite was everything I’d hoped for – a burst of sunshine followed by a velvety, dreamy finish. It’s a dessert that evokes pure joy and a sense of playful indulgence, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sunshine.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings: 30 cupcakes
Yield: 30 cupcakes
Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Eggs

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little bursts of citrusy happiness:

For the Orange Cupcakes:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup sour cream
3 drops orange food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant hue)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange extract

For the Orange Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon orange extract
3 drops orange food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant hue)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Filling:

2 cups non-dairy whipped topping
1 cup of reserved orange buttercream frosting (from the batch above; see instructions)

Equipment Needed

To bring these Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes to life, you’ll want to have these tools ready:

Baking pans with cupcake liners
Large mixing bowls
Small mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Toothpicks
Wire cooling racks
Pastry bag
Large open star tip

Instructions

Let’s dive into creating these delightful cupcakes, step by step.

Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pans by lining them with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and sour cream. Stir them together gently until just mixed. Set this wet mixture aside.
In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy.
Slowly add the granulated sugar to the butter and continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a tender crumb.
Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Now, stir in the orange extract and, if you’re using it for a more vivid color, 2 to 4 drops of orange food coloring. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
It’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking cups, filling each one about three-quarters full. This allows for a nice rise without overflowing.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before proceeding with assembly. This is crucial for proper frosting and filling.

Orange Buttercream Frosting:

In a large bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter until smooth.
Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed initially to prevent a cloud of sugar, then increasing the speed until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and water. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to high speed and beat for 5 minutes. This long beating time is what makes buttercream so light and fluffy.
Set aside 1 cup of this frosting – this will be used for the filling.
To the remaining frosting, add the orange extract and, if desired, 3 drops of orange food coloring. Mix well until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.

Vanilla Buttercream Filling:

In a medium bowl, gently fold in the non-dairy whipped topping. Start by adding about ½ cup at a time to the 1 cup of reserved orange buttercream frosting.
Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creates a lighter, creamier filling than plain buttercream.

To Assemble Cupcakes:

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large open star tip with the Vanilla Buttercream Filling.
Insert the tip halfway into the center of each baked and cooled cupcake.
Press gently until the top of the cupcake begins to rise slightly, indicating it’s filled.
After filling all the cupcakes, frost them as desired with the remaining Orange Buttercream Frosting.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, and dairy (buttermilk, sour cream) are all at room temperature before you start. This allows them to emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and lighter texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the flour into the batter can develop gluten too much, leading to tough cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to baking. Allowing your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack is essential before filling and frosting. Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting and make the filling unstable.
Filling Technique: For a consistent filling, try to gauge the depth you’re inserting the pastry tip. You want to create a good pocket of filling without going so deep that it breaks through the bottom of the cupcake.
Frosting Consistency: If your buttercream frosting is too thick, you can add a tiny bit more water, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes are best served at room temperature, allowing their flavors to fully meld and the textures to be at their peak. You can arrange them on a tiered stand for a beautiful dessert display or individually plate them with a sprig of mint or a thin slice of orange for an elegant touch.

For storage, cover the cupcakes loosely with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your climate is particularly warm or humid, or if you’ve used a more perishable filling, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture. They can also be frozen, unfrosted, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for these delightful cupcakes. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	351.4 kcal	18%
Total Fat	21.2 g	32%
Saturated Fat	13.4 g	67%
Cholesterol	75.8 mg	25%
Sodium	82.7 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	38.9 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	30.6 g	122%
Protein	2.4 g	4%

(Note: Values for “Calories from Fat” and associated percentages are estimations and can vary.)

Variations & Substitutions

Lemon Zest Boost: For an even more intense citrus experience, add the zest of one lemon to the cupcake batter along with the orange extract.
Lime Dream: Swap the orange extract and food coloring for lime extract and green food coloring for a refreshing “Lime Cream Dream” variation.
Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer, you can substitute the orange buttercream frosting with a cream cheese frosting. Adjust the sweetness and orange flavor to your liking.
Whipped Ganache Filling: For a more decadent filling, try a stabilized whipped ganache instead of the non-dairy whipped topping.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free or vegan?
A: This recipe as written contains dairy and eggs. For dairy-free and vegan versions, you would need to make significant substitutions for the butter, buttermilk, sour cream, eggs, and potentially the non-dairy whipped topping, which would essentially create a different recipe.

Q: Why are my cupcakes sinking in the middle?
A: This is often due to opening the oven door too early, baking at too high a temperature, or overmixing the batter. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid opening the oven door during the first 2/3 of the baking time.

Q: How can I get my frosting to be a more vibrant orange color?
A: You can gradually add more drops of orange food coloring to your buttercream until you achieve the desired shade. Gel food coloring is often more potent than liquid food coloring and can yield brighter colors with less added liquid.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk or sour cream?
A: For buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles. For sour cream, plain yogurt or crème fraîche can often be substituted in equal amounts.

Q: Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, the unfrosted cupcakes can be baked, cooled completely, and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Frost and fill them closer to serving time for the best presentation.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are a little ray of sunshine in edible form. They’re perfect for brightening up any gathering, from a casual afternoon tea to a celebratory birthday. I encourage you to give them a try, and don’t be shy with your feedback! Hearing how you’ve adapted or enjoyed these creations is truly the sweetest reward. Serve them with a chilled glass of sweet tea or a light, crisp white wine for a truly delightful experience. Happy baking!

Orange Cream Dream Cupcakes W/Filling Recipe