Old Portsmouth Florida Orange Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing
The natural taste of New England comes through in these nutmeg and Florida orange cupcakes topped with an irresistible maple syrup and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Icing:
½ cup heavy cream, chilled
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup pure maple syrup, pure
1 teaspoon Florida orange zest, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Florida Orange Cupcakes:
5 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Florida orange juice
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon orange zest, chopped
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups cake flour
Orange zest, for garnish
Cupcake liners
Steps
For Icing: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks; reserve. Combine cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, orange zest and vanilla extract in mixing bowl; beat with mixer until combined. Fold in whipped cream; refrigerate until chilled. When ready to use, mix gently by hand until soft.
For Florida Orange Cupcakes: Combine eggs and sugar in metal mixing bowl. Rest bowl over pot of lightly simmering hot water. Whisk with wire whisk until eggs become warm, frothy and light in color. Place egg mixture in mixing bowl; beat with whisk attachment of mixer on medium speed. Add orange juice and water; whisk for 15 minutes, until mixture is cooled. Add orange zest and nutmeg. Gently fold in flour with a rubber spatula until just combined; batter will be slightly lumpy, do not overmix.
Preheat oven to 325° F. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pans; fill three-fourths full with batter. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned on top. Toothpick inserted in center will come out clean. Remove cupcakes from pan; cool on wire rack completely. Just before serving, place Cream Cheese Icing in pastry bag; pipe icing on top of cupcakes and garnish with orange zest. Serve immediately.