Orange Cupcakes That Are Moist, Fluffy & Bursting with Citrus Flavor
Orange cupcakes are about to become your new favorite treat—bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist.
If you’re craving a dessert recipe that’s light yet bursting with citrus flavor, you’re in the right place.
I’m sharing everything you need to create the perfect batch of cupcakes, from choosing the right ingredients to tips for achieving bakery-style results at home.
With their sunny color and refreshing taste, these treats are ideal for spring gatherings, summer parties, or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up.
Scroll down to the bottom for the full printable recipe!
This orange cupcake recipe starts with a box of vanilla cake mix. They’ll get their vibrant citrus flavor from orange soda and orange-flavored Jello mix.
Simply combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, soda, and Jello, then bake until golden.
While they cool, whip up a creamy orange buttercream frosting with butter, powdered sugar, orange soda, and more Jello mix.
Pipe it high, garnish if you’d like, and enjoy!
You can, but the soda adds extra fluffiness. Juice will work, but the texture may be slightly denser.
Yes, you can. It adds a boost of citrus flavor and a slightly denser texture. Just be sure to use 100% juice (not from concentrate with added sugars), and note that it may slightly change the color and sweetness of the cake.
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then frost fresh!
It depends on what you’re going for! Oil makes cupcakes moister and softer, while butter adds a richer flavor and a slightly denser crumb. For the best of both worlds, some recipes use a mix of both.
If you loved these cupcake recipes, be sure to check out these other fun and delicious ideas that are perfect for any occasion!
- Celebrate spring with adorable Easter cupcake ideas featuring pastel colors, bunny toppers, and festive flavors kids and adults will love.
- From bold flavors to fun themes, these Father’s Day cupcake ideas are the perfect way to show Dad some sweet appreciation.
- Cool off with easy, refreshing pool party desserts that are colorful, fruity, and totally share-worthy.
- Discover the magic of soda and cake combinations that create ultra-fluffy, flavorful cakes with minimal effort.
- The secret to moist cupcakes lies in using the right fat-to-liquid ratio, not overmixing, and baking just until done.
Bake Choice Non-stick 200pcs Standard Cupcake Liners for Baking, Natural, Food-grade Cupcake Wrapper, Greaseproof Parchment Muffin Liners
Jell-O Orange Gelatin Mix (3 oz Boxes, Pack of 24)HONGBAKE Muffin Pan for Baking, Nonstick Cupcake Tin 12 Cup, 2 Pack Cup Cake Tray, Premium Cheesecake Pans, Dishwasher Safe – Dark GreyKootek 32-Piece Piping Bags and Tips Set with 24 Icing Piping Tips, 2 Reusable Pastry Bags 12 Inch, Reusable Piping Icing Bags and Tips, Cake Decorating Kit for Frosting Cookie, Cupcake
Orange Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ c vegetable oil
- 1 c orange soda
- 6 T orange flavored jello mix
For the frosting:
- 1 c unsalted butter softened
- 3 c powdered sugar
- 3 T orange soda
- 2 T orange jello mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place paper liners in a standard muffin tin, set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, jello mix, eggs, oil, and soda.
- Mix on low speed until combined and then bump up the speed to medium and continue to mix for an additional 1-2 minutes until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides often.
- Pour the cupcake batter into the prepared tin(s). Fill cupcake liners about ½-⅔ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center of the cupcake is set.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Make the orange buttercream frosting while the cupcakes cool. in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, jello mix, and orange soda.
- Mix on low speed until combined. Bump up the speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy looking.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe a large mound of orange frosting on top of the cupcakes. If desired, cut paper straws into thirds and insert into the top of each cupcake or garnish with orange slices.
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