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Orange Spice Cupcakes

Irresistibly Moist Orange Spice Cupcakes You’ll Love

Delight in these Orange Spice Cupcakes combining zesty oranges with warm spices, topped with Chocolate Italian Meringue Buttercream.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 oranges zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon all spice or ground cinnamon as substitute
  • 0.5 teaspoon cardamom omit if desired
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg fresh-grated preferred
  • 1 vanilla bean split and seeds scraped
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder ensure it’s fresh
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.25 cups buttermilk substitute with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice
For the Chocolate Italian Meringue Buttercream
  • 1.25 cups sugar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 5 egg whites fresh and at room temperature
  • a pinch cream of tartar
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Orange Curd
  • from 2 oranges orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • orange zest ribbons for garnish
  • chocolate sprinkles optional

Equipment

  • muffin tin
  • mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Candy thermometer

Method
 

Cupcake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, orange zest, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla seeds until fluffy.
  3. Gradually add the sugar, mixing until pale and well combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk until just combined.
  5. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes.
  6. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting.
Buttercream Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, bringing to a boil until it reaches 245°F (118°C).
  2. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Slowly pour in the syrup while beating until glossy and cool.
  3. Gradually add butter and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Curd Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, egg yolks, and sugar over low heat until thick.
  2. Remove from heat, whisk in butter until melted, and chill until set.
Final Assembly
  1. Frost cooled cupcakes with buttercream and drizzle with orange curd. Garnish with orange zest and chocolate sprinkles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. You can customize flavor with other citrus fruits.

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