The Novice Goddess' Kitchen: Beautiful Earl Grey Orange Cupcakes

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Beautiful Earl Grey Orange Cupcakes

A few weeks ago, in addition to the heavenly vanilla cupcakes that I made, I also whipped up some earl grey orange cupcakes. These little cuppies are beautiful and delicious in every way! The addition of the earl grey tea gives them a little hint of 'je ne sais quoi' that truly puts them over the edge. I have been using Tetley's Earl Grey Vanilla tea in this recipe and I think it makes them THAT much better. And if they weren't delightful enough, I add about a bit of grated orange zest to the batter as well which puts them over the top!!!

Could you say no to these beauties?

Did I mention that I topped them with an orange zest buttercream frosting? No? Sorry about that! A-MAZING!!!

Please give these a try next time you have a sweet craving. They will make you happier than a pig in mud!

Earl Grey Cupcakes
recipe adapted from Patent & the Pantry recipe for Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp grated orange zest
2 tsp freshly squeezed orange juice
the contents of 2 bags of Tetley's Earl Grey Vanilla tea

Preheat the oven to 350. Beat the butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, making sure they are thoroughly combined before adding the next one. Add the orange juice and zest and gently stir in. Mix together the dry ingredients, including the tea. Beat in half of the dry mixture with the wet, then add the milk and the rest of the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Line the cupcake pan with 12 cups and scoop the batter in using an ice cream/muffin scoop (about two-thirds full). Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly before frosting.

For the frosting, I used a basic buttercream recipe and also threw in some orange zest and a tiny bit of orange juice as well. Naturally, you have to tint the frosting as well though I guess it would be pretty naturally coloured as well.

This is love!!!