Everyone knows how much I love the flavor orange. This particular cupcake tastes like the old fashioned orange 50/50 ice cream bars. It’s a favorite of everyone.

Someone very special requested these, this past weekend. He isn’t feeling well. That’s actually a huge understatement. Jeff has cancer. He has been battling this for so long. He is a fighter……..and I admire him so much. His girlfriend is a good friend of mine and she has been by his side, fighting this battle with him. They have amazing strength. I feel so helpless….wanting to do something for Jeff. So when he requested these cupcakes, I was so happy to do it. It’s an honor.

I have to say, as I was baking these, I was so emotional. I will always think of Jeff now, whenever I make these. It’s funny….I always tell people that cupcakes make you feel better. They certainly make you smile. I could only wish that these cupcakes would indeed make Jeff feel better. But I did hear that they made him smile. That makes me smile.

Jeff, you keep fighting….I will make you cupcakes anytime you want them.

Orange Cream Cupcakes

1  cup all purpose flour
1  3/4 cups cake flour
1/2  tsp baking soda
1  1/2 tsp baking powder
1  tsp salt
1  1/2 cups sugar
2/3  cup vegetable oil
1/3  cup shortening
1  tsp vanilla
3  large eggs
1  cup buttermilk
1/2 cup orange juice
zest of 1 medium size orange

Preheat oven to 350. Sift all dry ingredients together. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat the oil, shortening and vanilla. Beat till light and fluffy. Add the eggs and orange zest. Fold in the dry stuff alternately with the buttermilk and orange juice, starting with the dry and ending with the dry. DO NOT OVER BEAT.

Line muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. Scoop batter into cups, 3/4 full. Bake for approx. 14 minutes, depending on your oven. Check with toothpick to see if they are done. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Orange Frosting

1 block of cream cheese, softened to room temp
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
zest of 1 orange
1  lb. box of confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
orange juice (just enough to get the consistency you are looking for)

With mixer, whip the butter and cream cheese until very creamy. Add the zest and powdered sugar. Mix till smooth and not gritty. If you need to add orange juice, do so.

Makes 24