Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Cake:
1 package white cake mix
1 (4 serving size) package cheesecake instant pudding mix
1 (3 oz.) package orange flavored Jello
1 1/4 cups orange juice
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
orange food coloring
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 cupcake tins with paper liners. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until well mixed. Pour batter into liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, orange extract and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the cream in small increments, until the frosting in the consistency you want. To get swirled frosting, tint half of the frosting orange in a separate bowl. With your piping bag tiled on its side, fill one side of the bag with the orange frosting, then tilt the bag the other way and fill the other side with the white frosting. It doesn't have to be perfect - it should still swirl once you start piping.
