Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

By srumbel

These Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are full of creamy orange-vanilla flavor. Perfect warm weather cupcake!
from confessionsofacookbookqueen.com

Ingredients

• Cupcakes:
• 1 box French Vanilla Cake Mix
• 1 small box (3.8 oz) vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened orange drink mix (like Kool Aid)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• Frosting:
• 3 sticks salted butter, slightly softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened orange drink mix (like Kool Aid)
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• Orange food coloring (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 cupcake tins with paper liners and set aside.
In the bowl of your mixer, beat cake mix, pudding mix, drink mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, and eggs on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape bowl and increase speed to medium, beating for two minutes. Fill prepared tins 2/3 full and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until tops spring back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
Prepare frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter, milk, and vanilla on medium low speed until smooth and combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add powdered sugar and drink mix until just barely combined. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for one minute, until frosting is smooth and fluffy. Color with orange food coloring, if desired.
Generously frost cooled cupcakes and serve.