¾cup12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
¾cupgranulated sugar
3large eggsroom temperature
⅔cuporange soda
orange food coloringoptional
4ouncescream cheesesoftened
2tablespoonsbuttersoftened
1teaspoonorange zest
1tablespoonfresh orange juice
2 ½cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°. Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add orange soda and food coloring if using; mix just until blended on low speed.
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until blended.
Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and the cupcake springs back when touched. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack completely before frosting.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, zest, and orange juice until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add additional powdered sugar or orange juice if necessary.