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 using fresh orange juice and zest — and the moment she took a bite, her eyes lit up. She just loved them!
Since then, this has become...
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Ingredients
all-purpose flour1cup
baking powder1tsp
salt1/4tsp
eggs eggs2
sugar1/2cup
vanilla essence1tsp
orange zest (freshly grated)1tsp
oil (canola or vegetable oil)1/2cup
fresh orange juice1/2cup
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
How to make Easy Orange Cupcakes
Prep the Oven and Pan
- Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan mode).
- Step 2
Grease your cupcake moulds or line them with paper cupcake liners or silicone cups. Set aside.
- Step 3
Juice the orange and grate the zest. Keep both ready for use.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Step 1
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, and oil.
- Step 2
Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Make the Batter
- Step 1
Pour in the orange juice, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
- Step 2
Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing for soft and fluffy cupcakes.
Bake
- Step 1
Pour the batter into the prepared moulds, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Step 2
Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
- Step 1
Let the cupcakes cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
Grease or line your moulds for easy cupcake removal after baking.
Fresh orange juice gives the best flavour, but store-bought juice works too if you're short on time.
Freshly grated orange zest adds a lovely citrus aroma — don’t skip it!
Avoid overmixing the batter for a light, fluffy texture.
These cupcakes stay moist for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container.
Dust with icing sugar, or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
How do I ensure the cupcakes are light and fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and mix just until the ingredients are combined.
How should I store these cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist for a couple of days.
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia