Orange Blossom Cupcakes (Printable version)
Fragrant cupcakes infused with orange blossom water, topped with light citrus frosting—perfect for spring celebrations.
# What you'll need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt
05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
10 - Zest of 1 orange
11 - ½ cup whole milk
→ Frosting
12 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
15 - 1 tablespoon orange juice
16 - Pinch of salt
17 - Orange zest, edible flowers for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla, orange blossom water, and orange zest.
05 - Add half the flour mixture, followed by milk, then remaining flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
08 - Beat butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, orange blossom water, orange juice, and salt. Beat until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with orange zest or edible flowers if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The orange blossom fragrance transforms an ordinary cupcake into something that feels like a stolen moment in a Mediterranean courtyard
- These cupcakes strike that perfect balance between sophisticated dessert and comforting treat
02 -
- Orange blossom water varies wildly in potency between brands, so taste your frosting before adding more
- Room temperature ingredients are not optional here. Cold eggs or butter will ruin the emulsion and create dense, disappointing cupcakes
03 -
- Buy orange blossom water from a Middle Eastern grocer rather than the supermarket. The quality difference is remarkable
- These cupcakes freeze beautifully unfrosted for up to a month. Thaw overnight and frost the next day