If you’re searching for a bright, zesty treat that brings together the tang of fresh cranberries and the sunny sweetness of oranges, you will absolutely adore this Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes are a perfect balance of moist, fluffy cake bursting with vibrant cranberry bursts, topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that highlights the fresh orange flavor. They’re a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season or to add a pop of color and taste to any gathering. Trust me, once you make these cupcakes, they will quickly become a cherished classic in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make these cupcakes stand out. From the tart cranberries to the bright orange zest, these ingredients aren’t just essentials—they’re the heart and soul of the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender yet sturdy cupcakes.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and tenderness to the crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s airy texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Delivers natural citrus juice that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons orange zest: Intensifies orange flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk: Adds tender moisture and slight tang for richness.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped: Bursts of tartness creating a beautiful contrast.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the smooth and tangy frosting.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Blends with cream cheese for a creamy frosting texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Boosts the frosting’s fresh orange aroma.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds a subtle citrusy tang to the frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth and depth.
- Extra orange zest and sugared cranberries (optional): Perfect garnish for a festive and elegant touch.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and a beautiful presentation. This first step is essential to ensure even baking and to help your cupcakes have a perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture helps distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly, guaranteeing a consistent texture throughout your cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which is fundamental for a tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and emulsified.
Step 4: Add Orange Zest, Juice, Milk, and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the fresh orange zest and juice to your creamed butter and eggs. Then, alternate adding the dry ingredient mix with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined; overmixing can make the cupcakes tough, so handle with care for the fluffiest result.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold the coarsely chopped cranberries into the batter using a spatula. This step adds those wonderful pops of tartness, and folding instead of stirring keeps the berries intact and well distributed for lovely bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give them room to rise without overflowing. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a fluffy consistency. Stir in the orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract to infuse that signature citrus tang and aromatic warmth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more orange juice; if too thin, add additional powdered sugar until perfectly spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously with the orange cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife for that homemade charm. Finish by sprinkling extra orange zest or placing sugared cranberries on top for a festive, eye-catching presentation.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated orange zest adds a vibrant pop of color and intense aroma that complements the frosting beautifully. Sugared cranberries offer a delightful crunch and sparkle that make these cupcakes perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, a fresh citrusy salad, or a light fruit compote. The refreshing sides enhance the bright flavors without overwhelming the delicate balance between tart and sweet found in the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter with fresh whole cranberries and orange slices scattered around. Alternatively, place them in decorative cupcake wrappers and arrange on tiered dessert stands for an elegant party display that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent the cupcakes from drying out. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Once ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost as directed for a just-baked taste whenever you want.
Reheating
If preferred warm, briefly heat thawed cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 seconds before adding the frosting. This slight warmth enhances the citrus aroma and makes them feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in the Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to coarsely chop them and fold gently into the batter to avoid releasing too much juice, which could affect the cupcake texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use whole milk mixed with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the batter to achieve a similar tang and acidity.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
If your orange cream cheese frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted to maintain the thick texture.
Can these cupcakes be made vegan?
With some ingredient swaps such as plant-based butter, flax eggs, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, you can modify this recipe to be vegan. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to substitute the regular flour. This will help maintain the cupcake’s structure and tenderness while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it will undoubtedly become a beloved go-to for occasions big and small. The blend of tart cranberries and bright orange combined with that luscious frosting is sheer magic. Don’t wait for a special event—bake a batch today and enjoy the joyful burst of flavor that these cupcakes bring to the table!
Print
Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
These Cranberry Orange Cupcakes are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange flavors, topped with a creamy orange-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive occasions or a special treat, these moist cupcakes balance sweetness and citrus zest beautifully.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Extra orange zest
- Sugared cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to incorporate fully.
- Add the Orange Zest, Juice, and Milk: Stir in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice to infuse citrus flavor. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold the coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the berries.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack until completely cool before frosting.
- Make the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if too thick or additional powdered sugar if too thin.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, generously frost each with the orange cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or spatula for a decorative finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the frosted cupcakes with extra orange zest or sugared cranberries as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing blend of flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart punch or frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; just be sure to chop them coarsely.
- To make sugared cranberries, toss fresh cranberries in simple syrup then in sugar and allow to dry.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Orange zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor; use fresh oranges for best results.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with whole milk for a slightly different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
