Orange Cupcakes – Soft, Fluffy & Full of Fresh Citrus Flavour

One afternoon, my little granddaughter sweetly said, “Nani, I want to eat cupcakes… can you make some for me now?” How could I say no? I headed straight to the kitchen and baked these soft and fluffy orange cupcakes...

Easy Orange Cupcakes recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cupcake)
  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    1cup
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/4tsp
  • eggs eggs
    eggs eggs
    2
  • sugar
    sugar
    1/2cup
  • vanilla essence
    vanilla essence
    1tsp
  • orange zest (freshly grated)
    orange zest (freshly grated)
    1tsp
  • oil (canola or vegetable oil)
    oil (canola or vegetable oil)
    1/2cup
  • fresh orange juice
    fresh orange juice
    1/2cup

How to make Easy Orange Cupcakes

Prep the Oven and Pan

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan mode).

  2. Step 2

    Grease your cupcake moulds or line them with paper cupcake liners or silicone cups. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Juice the orange and grate the zest. Keep both ready for use.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. Step 1

    Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. Step 1

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, and oil.

  2. Step 2

    Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

    Step 3.1: Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth

Make the Batter

  1. Step 1

    Pour in the orange juice, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients.

    Step 4.1: Pour in the orange juice, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients
    Step 4.2: Pour in the orange juice, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients
  2. Step 2

    Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing for soft and fluffy cupcakes.

    Step 4.1: Mix just until combined

Bake

  1. Step 1

    Pour the batter into the prepared moulds, filling each about three-quarters full.

    Step 5.1: Pour the batter into the prepared moulds, filling each about three-quarters full
  2. Step 2

    Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

    Step 5.1: Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean
    Step 5.2: Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean

Cool & Serve

  1. Step 1

    Let the cupcakes cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

    Step 6.1: Let the cupcakes cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

85.5kcal (4.27%)

Protein

0.9g (1.82%)

Carbs

10.3g (3.75%)

Sugars

5.1g (10.26%)

Healthy Fat

4.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Grease or line your moulds for easy cupcake removal after baking.

  2. Fresh orange juice gives the best flavour, but store-bought juice works too if you're short on time.

  3. Freshly grated orange zest adds a lovely citrus aroma — don’t skip it!

  4. Avoid overmixing the batter for a light, fluffy texture.

  5. These cupcakes stay moist for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container.

  6. Dust with icing sugar, or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

FAQS

  1. Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice if you're short on time, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.

  2. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the moulds?

    Grease the moulds or use paper cupcake liners or silicone cups for easy removal.

  3. What can I use as a topping for these cupcakes?

    You can dust them with icing sugar, or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

  4. How do I ensure the cupcakes are light and fluffy?

    Avoid overmixing the batter and mix just until the ingredients are combined.

  5. How should I store these cupcakes?

    Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist for a couple of days.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩‍🍳✨...

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