Decadent Chocolate Orange Dream Cupcakes
Indulge in these luxurious Decadent Chocolate Orange Dream Cupcakes, a delightfully rich treat that perfectly blends the deep flavor of chocolate with the vibrant zest of orange. Inspired by the winning recipe from the renowned show Cupcake Wars, this dessert features a moist chocolate cupcake base filled with a creamy orange buttercream, all topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. Each bite is a harmonious explosion of flavors, making it perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Impress your friends and family with these exquisite cupcakes that promise not just a visual feast but a divine taste experience. Ideal for both vegan and non-vegan guests, these cupcakes are sure to create lasting memories at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Orange Juice
3/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Canola Oil
1/2 cup (N/A)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Orange Zest
1 tablespoon (Freshly grated)
Powdered Sugar
4 cups (N/A)
Coconut Oil
1/2 cup (At room temperature (refined))
Orange Zest
1 tablespoon (Freshly grated)
Orange Juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup (N/A)
Almond Milk
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon (At room temperature (refined))
Orange
1 (N/A)
Water
1 3/4 cups (Divided)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with colorful paper liners to add a touch of festivity.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, canola oil, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest until well combined, creating a fragrant aromatic mixture.
4
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk together until the batter is smooth and fully combined, avoiding over-mixing.
5
Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
For the orange buttercream filling, beat together the powdered sugar, coconut oil, orange zest, and orange juice in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until well blended.
8
Continue mixing while gradually adding orange juice until the desired creamy consistency is achieved, then set aside.
9
To prepare the chocolate ganache, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Once melted, whisk in the coconut oil until the mixture is glossy and combined.
10
To create the candied orange peel (optional), use a vegetable peeler to remove thin slices of orange peel from the orange. Boil the peels in water for 5 minutes, drain, and repeat this process twice more to remove bitterness.
11
Then, simmer the orange peels with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until the liquid reduces and coats the peels. Spread the peels on parchment paper to cool, then roll them in sugar to finish.
12
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip to fill each cupcake with the delicious orange buttercream filling.
13
Spread the rich chocolate ganache evenly over the tops of each cupcake, creating a glossy finish.
14
Finally, adorn each cupcake with two slices of candied orange peel for a beautiful presentation, if desired. Enjoy your decadent creations!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Orange Dream Cupcakes?
They are a luxurious dessert featuring a moist chocolate cupcake base, a creamy orange buttercream filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping.
Are these cupcakes vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be ideal for both vegan and non-vegan guests as it uses plant-based ingredients like canola oil, coconut oil, and almond milk.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a winning cupcake design from the renowned television show Cupcake Wars.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 12 standard-sized cupcakes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
The cupcakes should bake for approximately 17 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cupcakes are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
What ingredients are used in the orange buttercream filling?
The filling is made from powdered sugar, coconut oil, fresh orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
How is the chocolate ganache topping prepared?
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, then whisk in coconut oil until the mixture is glossy.
What is the secret to removing bitterness from the candied orange peels?
The orange peels should be boiled in water for 5 minutes and drained three separate times to remove any bitterness.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
How do I fill the cupcakes with the buttercream?
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip to inject the filling into each cupcake.
What type of oil is best for the cupcake batter?
Canola oil is used in the batter to provide a moist texture.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor profile.
How much orange zest is required for the cupcakes?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest in the batter and another tablespoon in the filling.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use for the ganache?
The recipe recommends semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, balanced flavor.
How much should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each liner about two-thirds full to allow enough room for the cupcakes to rise properly.
What equipment is recommended for the buttercream?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for beating the buttercream ingredients until creamy.
How do I finish the candied orange peels?
After simmering the peels in a sugar and water reduction, let them cool on parchment paper and roll them in sugar.
What makes the chocolate ganache shiny?
Whisking coconut oil into the melted chocolate chips provides a beautiful glossy finish.
Do the cupcakes need to cool before filling?
Yes, they must be completely cooled to prevent the orange buttercream filling from melting.
Is there a specific way to mix the wet and dry ingredients?
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth, being careful not to over-mix.
What cocoa powder amount is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sifted cocoa powder for the chocolate base.
Can I use unrefined coconut oil?
The recipe suggests refined coconut oil at room temperature to maintain a smooth consistency and neutral flavor.
What should I use for a festive presentation?
The recipe suggests using colorful paper liners and adorning each cupcake with two slices of candied orange peel.
Is there milk in this recipe?
The recipe uses almond milk as a plant-based dairy alternative.
How much sugar is in the cupcake batter?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in the main cupcake batter.
Why is orange juice added to the buttercream?
Orange juice is added gradually while mixing to help achieve the desired creamy consistency and provide flavor.
What role does baking soda play in this recipe?
Along with baking powder, baking soda helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
Is this a good recipe for special occasions?
Yes, its gourmet presentation and harmonious blend of chocolate and orange make it perfect for celebrations.