Chocolate Orange Cupcakes: A Recipe for Deliciousness

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Move over pumpkin spice, it’s time to get ready for the chocolate orange season! These delicious chocolate orange cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate winter. They are easy to make and taste amazing. Follow this recipe to create your batch of chocolate orange cupcakes today!

Why are chocolate and orange such a great combination?

The chocolate orange flavor is a classic winter flavor combination. The orange provides a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the chocolate is rich and comforting. This combination is perfect for celebrating the winter season.

What makes these chocolate orange cupcakes so special?

These chocolate orange cupcakes are made with real orange zest from fresh oranges and real cocoa powder. This gives them a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of orange.

What are the best oranges to use for flavor?

The best oranges to use for flavor are Valencia oranges. These oranges are available year-round and have a deep orange color with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Can I make these cupcakes with other flavors of citrus?

Yes! You can use any type of citrus fruit to make these chocolate orange cupcakes. Lemons, limes, and grapefruit would all be delicious substitutes.

How do I make these incredible cupcakes?

The chocolate cupcake base can be made from the following recipe:

You will need:

• 2 C sugar
• 1 3/4 C flour
• 3/4 C cocoa
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, room temp
• 1 C whole milk, room temp
• 1/2 C canola oil
• 2 teaspoons orange extract, or juice from half an orange
• 1 C boiling water

How to make Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the shelf in the middle of the oven. Line cupcake tins with paper liners.

Whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Combine the eggs, milk, oil, and orange extract in a bowl. Add this to the dry ingredients beating on medium until the batter is smooth.

Gradually add the boiling water, milk, and oil and blend until the batter is smooth.

Using a medium scoop, fill the paper-lined cupcake tins with the prepared batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.

What you need for Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

• Chocolate cupcakes, baked and cooled.
• 1 Tablespoon of orange zest
• orange food coloring
• Vanilla frosting
• Chocolate sprinkles

Chocolate Orange Cupcake Tutorial

This recipe is really beyond easy to make! Take your vanilla frosting and add the orange zest. Then add the orange food coloring a bit at a time. Stir in between additions until you get the orange color that you desire. This should leave you with a vibrant frosting color that has a yummy taste.

Frosting Your Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

Place the piping bag into a large glass and fold the sides of the bag over the rim of the glass. Scoop the vanilla frosting into the piping bag. Bring the pastry bag edges up and twist them together to start decorating.

Add a 1 mm star tip to your pastry bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, try a plastic bag with the tip snipped off.

Frost the cooled and filled cupcakes.

Then sprinkle the chocolate sprinkles over the frosting.  

Whether you are looking for a delicious winter treat or a unique gift idea, these chocolate orange cupcakes are the perfect solution. Follow this recipe to create your own batch today! You won’t be disappointed.

Chocolate Orange Cupcake FAQs:

Easy Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

Use a dressed-up chocolate boxed cake mix. Use a teaspoon of orange extract in the batter or 1/2 cup of orange juice instead of some of the required liquid asked for in the cake mix instructions.

What is the best way to store these cupcakes?

These chocolate orange cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I make these chocolate orange cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chocolate cupcakes two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Do I need to use fresh oranges for this recipe?

No, this recipe can use fresh or bottled orange juice. If you use fresh oranges, you will need about two oranges to get the ½ cup of juice in the recipe.

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