24 baking cups  •  1 1/2 C flour  •  1 C sugar  •  1/2 T baking powder
3 eggs  •  1 orange, zest and juice  •   1/4 C orange juice
1/4 C milk  •  1/4 C vegetable oil

In my circle of friends and family we tend to have ‘cluster’ birthdays. Fall is a huge time of year for the birthday season to get underway. While that’s not a bad thing, it does leave me wondering if we will have any other flavor of cake besides chocolate! So, in light of this busy birthday season I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite birthday cakes to make that doesn’t have cocoa in it. These Orange Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream Frosting are a crowd pleaser. The subtle orange flavor and the lightly sweet frosting will have them coming back for seconds.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In two large twelve-count cupcake pans line with baking cups and set aside. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into cups about three-quarters full and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden. Allow to cool completely on rack before frosting.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes

Orange Buttercream Frosting

3/4 C butter, softened  •  6 C powder sugar  •  1/4 orange juice
2 tsp pure vanilla extract  •  1 orange, zest

In a large mixing bowl beat butter until smooth. Add 2 cups powder sugar and continue to beat. Then add 1/4 cup orange juice and vanilla. While beating add in the remaining sugar about half a cup at a time. Stop once you have achieved the desired consistency. Then add in zest and mix well. You may want to zest another orange to garnish top. Once cupcakes are completely cool you can spread frosting on top and dress with your favorite sprinkles and extra orange zest.

notes: When zesting any citrus it is important to get a good quality zester that can finely grate leaving a well balanced flavor to your food. Among fine graters may I suggest using the Microplane 35002  Series Fine Grater. I think you will be happy with the outcome.

buy now: Microplane 35002 Series Fine Grater

… and finally, a happy 30th birthday to my sweet friend PT in Phoenix, AZ