Description
Delightful spinach cupcakes topped with a tangy and creamy orange frosting, combining a unique blend of vegetable goodness and citrusy sweetness for a fun and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1¾ cups cake flour
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup light olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup finely chopped spinach
Orange Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Puree Spinach: In a food processor, combine the finely chopped spinach and canola oil. Process until it forms a smooth purée and set aside for use in the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt. Set this mixture aside to combine later with the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract together, then add the spinach purée to this mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated.
- Form Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet spinach mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tender cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form to prepare for the frosting’s creamy texture.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and orange zest, continuing to beat until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Frosting: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, maintaining the light texture of the frosting.
- Pipe Frosting onto Cupcakes: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and elegantly pipe it onto each cooled cupcake for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and vibrant color in the cupcakes.
- Allow the frosting to chill slightly if it becomes too soft while folding.
- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of fresh orange juice to the frosting mixture.
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
