Orange Date Cupcakes

Name: Orange Date Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon orange extract; 2 cups cake flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup chopped dates; 4 teaspoons grated orange zest; FROSTING:; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon orange extract; 2 to 3 teaspoons whole milk

The perfect pairing of oranges and dates is made even better with this silky smooth cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, decorate each cupcake with a jellied orange slice. —Lynn Hollingsworth, Ada, Oklahoma

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange extract
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 cup chopped dates
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 to 3 teaspoons whole milk

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in dates and orange zest.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and extract; beat until smooth. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 233 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Orange Date Sunshine Cupcakes in 2009 Taste of Home's Weekly Cupcake Newsletter

Reviews

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Average Rating:

tayloro1

May 25, 2010

They were very moist, the grand kids really enjoyed them. next I will try the Orange Date Cupcakes.
gdsanich

Mar 9, 2009

I wasnt too sure about these the day I made them, but the next day they were great. They were not overly sweet which I liked. My whole familey liked them.