ORANGE DATE CUPCAKES

Orange Date Cupcakes image

The perfect pairing of oranges and dates is made even better with this silky smooth cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, decorate each cupcake with a jellied orange slice. -Lynn Hollingsworth, Ada, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange extract
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 cup chopped dates
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 to 3 teaspoons whole milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in dates and orange zest. , Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.