Orange Dreamcicle Cupcakes

Orange Dreamcicles are one of those awesome treats that just scream summer. The combination of slightly tart orange and sweet creamy vanilla just can't be beat, and making them inside fresh orange rinds makes them extra special (and delicious).

Get baking folks! A 3-month PRO Membership will go to the first person to try these out and post photos below! (awesome photo, aliciaL_77 - thanks for giving them a try and sharing your gorgeous cupcakes!)

Step 1: You'll Need. . .

Orange Cake
Software:

• 1 egg white, room temperature
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (use some from the tops of one of your prepared oranges)
• 1 teaspoon orange juice (use some from your scooped oranges)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3 large oranges (pick ones that have nice smooth skin) (Note: I wrongly decided that my oranges were particularly large and only used two - this led to some pretty serious orange explosions. Err on the safe side and go with 3 oranges and don't over-fill them)
• (optional) food coloring (red and yellow, or orange if you have it)
• (optional) orange sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Hardware:

• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Electric mixer (or mixing implement of your choice)
• Muffin tin
• Foil
• Knife and spoon (or you can just use your fingers)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cream Cheese Frosting
Software:

• 1/2 (4 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• Splash vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange juice

Hardware:

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (or mixing implement of your choice)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry bag

Step 2: Orange You Glad?

1. Prepare your oranges by washing and drying them
2. Cut off the top of each orange and scoop out the insides (like you would to a pumpkin)
3. Place a square of foil into each cup of the muffin tin and top with an orange
4. Squeeze out the juice from the scooped out oranges and enjoy it with breakfast

Step 3: Making Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a small bowl, mix the egg white, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest
3. Combine oil and butter in the mixing bowl (it won't combine fully, so don't stress too much)
4. Add the sour cream and mix well
5. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda and beat until ingredients are moistened
6. Add the egg mixture and mix until combined
7. Mix in food coloring (if using)

Step 4: Fresh Baked Oranges!

1. Fill the prepared orange rinds about 1/2 full of batter (The foil helps to catch any potential cake explosions since if you fill them too full (like I did), they could poof out of the orange and spill over)
2. Bake 40-50 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean (while they're baking your kitchen will be filled with the smell of oranges - it's fantastic!)
3. Allow to cool fully and clean up any cake spill-over you might have. The cakes may sink as they cool - that's just fine since it'll provide more space for the yummy frosting!

Step 5: Creamy Goodness

1. Beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla
2. Add orange juice and mix well
3. Transfer to pastry bag and keep refrigerated until ready to use

Step 6: Assembly!

1. Pipe the frosting onto cooled orange cakes
2. Garnish with orange sugar (if using)
3. Dig in!