Best Easy Orange Almond Cupcakes W Dk Chocolate Icing Recipes

Almond Cupcakes with Orange Icing image

Yield Makes 12 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup natural almonds (with skin), toasted lightly, cooled, and ground fine in a blender
1 1/4 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice

Steps:

In a bowl whisk together the flour, the almonds, the baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl with an electric mixer cream together the shortening and the granulated sugar, beat in the egg and the almond extract, and beat in the flour mixture alternately with the water, beating well after each addition. Divide the batter among 12 paper-lined 1/2-cup muffin tins and bake the cupcakes in the middle of a preheated 350°:F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Turn the cupcakes out onto a rack and let them cool completely.
In another bowl beat together the confectioners' sugar, the butter, the zest, and the juice, beating until the icing is fluffy, and spread the icing on the cupcakes.

Easy Orange Almond Cupcakes w/ Dk Chocolate Icing image

Provided by Lynelle Caldwell @caldwell1932

Categories Cakes

Number Of Ingredients 17

CUPCAKES
1 box(es) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup(s) flour (high altitude)
- oil as listed on package
3 - eggs
- replace water on package with country style oj
1 box(es) vanilla instant pudding (sm)
1/8 teaspoon(s) almond extract (optional)
- add orange food coloring if you'd like a brighter orange color
2/3 cup(s) almonds, blanched chopped very fine
1 can(s) mandarin oranges; drained, patted dry & rough chopped
DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1 cup(s) butter, softened
1 cup(s) cocoa powder
1/2-1 cup(s) milk
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
4 cup(s) powdered sugar

Steps:

CUPCAKES Combine 1st 8 ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes fold in almonds and mandarin oranges.
Pour into Pam-sprayed cupcake papers (in a cupcake pan).
Bake at 375, according to directions, mine took about 20 minutes. Let cool totally. Frost with Dark Chocolate Frosting.
DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING In a large mixing bowl, cream butter. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and vanilla. Add milk until frosting reaches spreading consistency
Spread or Pipe onto cupcakes. I also put a orange candy slice on top if I want to add a wow factor.