Chocolate Orange Cupcakes for the 2nd Blogiversary
April 24, 2015
For the second batch of baking, I made banana crumb cake. Just by looking at the recipe, I felt that its too sweet for me. Still, I did not adjust anything. It came out too sweet and too much topping – its not my type of crumb cake. :'( There’s nothing wrong with the recipe, I must say. I just did not follow my instincts to adjust it according to my taste.For the third batch of baking, the friend who came over requested for this Brazo de Mercedes, but I overcooked the filling. It’s still taste good, though.Lesson learned? Don’t force yourself to bake when your body wants to rest. I’ve told that to myself multiple times – Baking while exhausted will not bring you good results – well, at least for me. But maybe after the incident last weekend, I will keep that in mind. Hmm, we’ll see… 😀 I was very upset that I told my friend I can’t post the supposed to be Marble Cupcakes today. She told me we’ll make a new one. But time is not my friend these days. My savior? The cupcakes I baked over a week ago.
Ingredients:
This post was ready two days ago. I have to put it on schedule to make sure that I make it to FF #65 and to post it on the blog’s 2nd birthday (23rd April). I got a message if I can be one of the co-hosts today and it was less than 30 minutes before this post goes live. I immediately grabbed the iPad and edited the post. I didn’t know that it didn’t work. I went crazy when I saw notifications – Oh my! Good thing, I figured out what to do. 😀
I was so excited when Angie told me that I will be co-hosting with Effie @ Food Daydreaming. Effie has been with me since the first months of my blog. And now, I’m on my two years of blogging. What’s better way to do it than to do it with all of you and me as a co-host with one of the first blogging buddies I have. Now, people, join us. Click the bagde below to join Fiesta Friday #65. See you at the party. 😉
I kept reminding myself that my blog’s 2nd birthday is coming. I haven’t decided what to make to celebrate until two weeks ago. All the ingredients were ready. I was not.I slept for a total of 3 hours last Thursday… or let’s say Friday morning. I spent almost 5 hours in the kitchen Thursday night and slept very late due to a friend coming over. I thought that after I spent Friday lying down, I will be back to my normal hyper self on the next day and be able to bake for my blog’s 2nd birthday.
I was planning to make a cake with fondant icing, but I plan to make it on some other day. I made up my mind and made Marble Cupcakes. Oh, did I say Marble Cupcakes?? The cupcakes did not listen to me and made themselves Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Surprise. If you are imagining vanilla cupcakes with a chocolate ball inside, then you are right. 😀 I used my two-tone piping bag so I would have vanilla and chocolate frosting, but even the frosting looks so unappealing. 🙁
For the second batch of baking, I made banana crumb cake. Just by looking at the recipe, I felt that its too sweet for me. Still, I did not adjust anything. It came out too sweet and too much topping – its not my type of crumb cake. :'( There’s nothing wrong with the recipe, I must say. I just did not follow my instincts to adjust it according to my taste.For the third batch of baking, the friend who came over requested for this Brazo de Mercedes, but I overcooked the filling. It’s still taste good, though.Lesson learned? Don’t force yourself to bake when your body wants to rest. I’ve told that to myself multiple times – Baking while exhausted will not bring you good results – well, at least for me. But maybe after the incident last weekend, I will keep that in mind. Hmm, we’ll see… 😀 I was very upset that I told my friend I can’t post the supposed to be Marble Cupcakes today. She told me we’ll make a new one. But time is not my friend these days. My savior? The cupcakes I baked over a week ago.
Chocolate Orange is really a favorite of mine. When I saw Terry’s Chocolate Orange, I closed my eyes (its too expensive) and took one. I ate half of it and used the other half to top of these cupcakes.
Chocolate Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Servings: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cups cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- zest of one large orange
- 3 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 lb powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside.
- Combine all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt) and sift them into a large bowl of an electric mixer or just a regular bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (buttermilk, oil, eggs, coffee and vanilla).
- Using a handheld mixer, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients just until well combined making sure to scrape the bottom and sides with a rubber spatula.
- Distribute the batter into your muffin pan using a large ice cream scoop or a spoon, filling each 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes and remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, cream together cream cheese, orange zest, shortening and butter until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency. Add vanilla and a bit of orange food coloring if desired. Mix to combine.
Notes:
- To substitute buttermilk, add 1 tbsp of lemon to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. After that, you have a good buttermilk substitute.
Source Recipe: My Baking Addiction
I hope you enjoy these cupcakes. For those who are not into Chocolate Orange (Um, hello, Mellisa!), there are chocolate cupcakes at the back so don’t worry. 😉 And for those who aren’t into cupcakes… well, I have Oranges for you as well. 😛
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coconutcraze
Congratulations Jhuls! Happy 2nd blogiversary! You are tempting me with all that chocolate!
Jhuls
Yay! I think that is a positive thing. 😀 Thanks a lot for stopping by. xx
Ginger
Happy Birthday – and happy FF! You are one amazing woman, how you handle all these things and still manage to make my jaws drop with those gorgeous cupcakes! They look just too delicious!
Jhuls
Awww thanks a lot, Ginger! I really appreciate you saying that. I hope I can still manage so share more recipes for another year. 😀 I am happy to know you thru blogging world. I hope you are having a good time. 🙂
milkandbun
Happy happy blogoversary, dear Jhuls!!! Cupcakes look cute and tasty! 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Mila. I am happy to know you thru blogging world. xx
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake
These look amaaaazing Jhuls, chocolate orange is my favourite! I always pick up a terry’s chocolate orange when they’re on sale, I currently have 3 waiting to be baked into something hehe!
Happy 2nd Blog anniversary, very exciting! Here’s to many more years 😀
Jhuls
Oh, I am jealous. I finished mine already. 😐 I gotta go and get some again. Unfortunately, I never see Terry’s on sale. 🙁 Thanks a lot for being with me, Michelle. Hugs! xx
Giramuk's Kitchen
Happy Blogiversary! 😀 These cupcakes are definitely worthy of such an awesome celebration!! Plus I love cupcakes… AND I love chocolate and orange! They look awesome Jhuls!
Jhuls
Glad you agree with me, Dini. 😀 Thank you so much for being here. I hope you are having a great time. xx
salsachica
Happy 2nd Blogiversary Jhuls! Orange and chocolate, always a winning flavour combination!
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Faridah! I am so happy to see you here. xx
Feast Wisely
Happy second blog birthday Jhuls – and a lovely recipe post to celebrate. Laura
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Laura. Have a wonderful time. xx
Whisked Away
Mmmmm….I love orange and chocolate together! These look absolutely delicious, along with so many of your other recipes. So glad to have found your blog, looking forward to following along on your culinary adventures!
Jhuls
Glad you liked these. Thanks so much for following back. Have a wonderful time. 🙂
apsara
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary, Jhuls! How nice that this coincides with FF. The cupcakes look beautiful. The orange butter cream really stands out!
Jhuls
I know, right? 😀 This event is really special. Thanks for being here. Enjoy the day! xx
tentimestea
Happy second blogiversary and congratulations!!
I find baking difficult when I’m tired as well; I become very, very sloppy, and so perhaps not unsurprisingly things don’t turn out too well for me 😀 But your cupcakes sound lovely; chocolate and orange is such a great combination!
Jhuls
I hope I will let myself rest when I am tired even if its weekend. 🙂 Thanks a lot for stopping by. Have a lovely day! xx
Amanda | What's Cooking
Happy blogversary! These look so good. I must try them. I love the combo of citrus and chocolate. Yum!
Jhuls
Thank you so much for your greetings and comment. I hope you will love this. Have a great week. 🙂 xx
skd
Happy Anniversary Jhuls 🎊🎉🎆🎇🎊🎉☺ Your two flavored cupcakes do full justice to your two years of delicious blogging. Hope to see more of your yummy delicacies. Keep going 👍
Jhuls
Thank you so much! I am glad that you loved these cupcakes, skd! Have a lovely weekend. ❤️
skd
You too dear 💕
lapetitepaniere
Congratulations Jhuls and Happy Blogiversary 🙂 Such a delicious cupcake to celebrate and have a wonderful weekend xx
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Linda! Have a lovely weekend to you as well. 🙂 xx
Sadia Mohamed
Happy blogaversary jhuls! And what a beautiful cake to post on this special day. Looks beautiful. 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you, Sadia. I think we could exchange? Half of the cupcakes and half of your prawns? 😀 Happy weekend. xx
sweetbakedlife
Happy blogiversary Jhuls! Love your orange-chocolate cupcakes – great combination! 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you, Sheila. I am glad that you stopped by. xx
Jenny
Those cupcakes look delicious! I love the chocolate and orange combination too. 😊
Jhuls
I loved loved chocolate and orange! 😀 Thank you so much for stopping by! xx
Angie
It’s kismet, Jhuls! I actually didn’t know you and Efiie have known each other from the beginning! And of course I didn’t realize you were celebrating your 2nd blogiversary! It gives me goosebumps thinking how everything always falls in place so perfectly. Happy goosebumps, not scary ones! I feel truly happy and privileged to be able to celebrate this important milestone with you and the rest of Fiesta Friday gang! You are a beautiful person and your blog reflects it! Happy Blogiversary! Those cupcakes are terrific! <3 <3
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Angie. I got very much excited when I have read your mail. I was going to tell you, but I decided not to – you know, to surprise you as well. 😀 It’s crazy how you always make everything in good timing. 😉 Again, thank you, Angie. It’s so lovely knowing you thru the blogging world. <3
andy
congrats !!! many more to come. Cheers !! 😀
Jhuls
Thank you, Andy! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. 🙂
simplyvegetarian777
Happy anniversary girl!!
Those cup cakes look amazing!
Jhuls
Thank you, Sonal. I am happy to know you thru the blogging world. <3
simplyvegetarian777
❤️❤️
Loretta
Happy Happy Blogiversary Jhuls, how wonderful that you’ve made it for 2 years, I hope to look up to you and reach that landmark in another year. You’ve brought some amazing cupcakes to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Chocolate and orange are a hit in my books! Thanks for co-hosting, you always do it with such charm 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Loretta. I am so happy to know you. 🙂 Hugs!
http://www.lapetitecasserole.com
Happy 2nd blogversary dear Jhuls! You choose an amazing recipe (with amazing colours!!) to celebrate your blog and Angie’s party! Have a great weekend, you deserve it!
Jhuls
Thank you, Margy. I am glad that you liked these cupcakes. 😀 Have a great weekend as well. xx
Jess
Happy Blogaversary Jhuls!! It’s a huge accomplishment, you should feel very proud <3
These cupcakes look yummy too 🙂
Jhuls
I am so very much proud of myself right now, Jess. Thank you for being a part of my 2 years. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend. xx
Chitra Jagadish
Oh my that looks super luscious…. chocolate and orange is a winning combo – happy blogiversary dear Jhuls…. 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you, Chitra. One of the best combos, I must say! 🙂 Have a great weekend. xx
cookingwithauntjuju.com
Orange and chocolate – you have my attention Jhuls! Thanks for co-hosting and congrats on two years 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Aunt Juju. And thanks for being a part of the 2 years of blogging. xx
Lili
Yum! I love chocolate oranges and almost overdosed on Terry’s ones… but I’m okay now and I’d love to have some of your great cupcakes! Oh, happy blogiversary and thanks for co-hosting too Jhuls! 🙂
Jhuls
I am thinking of buying another batch of Terry’s on my next grocery shopping. 😀 Thanks a lot for being here, Lili. xx
Lili
Good plan Jhuls! You can never have too much Terry’s really! 🙂 Lovely visiting you! 🙂 xx
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried
Happy birthday to the blog and the cupcakes look amazing!! 😄
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Anjana. Have a lovely weekend. ❤️
chefjulianna
Hey Jhuls! Congratulations on 2 years of blogging! What a lovely milestone this is and what a great way to celebrate with your very yummy cupcakes! I think there is no better combination than orange and chocolate!
A big thank-you as well for co-hosting! 😀
Jhuls
It’s my pleasure, Chef Julianna. I am really happy to be co-hosting. Thanks as well of the greetings and for taking 2 cupcakes. 😀 Have a wonderful weekend. xx
Lori
Happy 2nd Blogiversary to one of my very special bloggy friends! <3 Well, this batch of cupcakes sure came out awesome! I love the way the frosting looks! And orange and chocolate?! One of my most favorite combinations ever!! Big hugs Jhuls!
Jhuls
Yay! Thanks you made it here, Lori. And thank you so much for the wonderful comment. Hugs! 🙂
oceanviewkitchen
Happy 2nd blogiversary! the cupcakes looks great and i love the orange cream cheese frosting! great pics! Happy FF!
Jhuls
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a fab weekend. 🙂 xx
MamaD1xx4xy
Gorgeous cupcakes! Chocolate and orange is one of my favorite flavor combinations. Happy Blogiversary!
Jhuls
Thank you so much. I guess the sons will love these. 😉 Have a fab weekend. xx
Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook
HAPPPPPPPPPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!!!! These cupcakes were the first thing that caught my eye at the party this week!! So I popped right over and of course, they belong to you, Jhuls! I shoulda known!! 😉 Happy Friday and thank you for co-hostingggg!!!
Jhuls
Haha! You really love me. I love you, too, Steph! 😀 And thanks for your lovely comment. Happy FF. xx
GFLife247
Thanks for co-hosting, AND happy two year bloggiversary! Your cupcakes look scrumptious. And, I must admit, that I had to look up Terry’s Chocolate Orange, and it looks like such a cool treat! Happy FF, and have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Jhuls
I just had my last ‘slice’ of Terry’s Chocolate Orange. It’s already on my grocery list. 😀 Thanks for stopping by, Kaila. Have a lovely weekend to you as well. xx
elamb
Happy 2nd blogiversary!! I have loved following you and your adventures in the kitchen. This these chocolate-orange cupcakes are no exception… you had me at chocolate-orange!! 😀
Jhuls
Thank you, E. I am so happy to be co-hosting with you today. Have fun! xx
Jodi
Oh so beautiful and yummy and I love chocolate and orange and happy blogiversary!!!!!!!!
Jhuls
Thanks a lot, Jodi. Have a wonderful weekend. xx
Julie is Hostess At Heart
Happy blogiversary! I love orange and chocolate too. You are so right that you can’t force recipes to turn out when you are too tired!
Jhuls
Thank you so much, Julie. I hope I’ll learn my lessons. 😀 Have a lovely weekend. xx
Chef Amy at Remke Markets
Look good to me Jhuls!!! and Congrats on year 2 🙂
Jhuls
Thank you, Chef Amy! It feels really great! 🙂 xx
Chef Amy at Remke Markets
You’re most welcome 🙂