Triple Citrus Cupcakes

Hello all!

I know it's been so long since I last posted, but who knew having your wisdom teeth out could take so much out of you. Now that my face no longer resembles that of a Cabbage Patch Kid (as my mother so lovingly called me) and I can open my mouth enough to eat, I decided to celebrate with cupcakes!

It also happens to be a lovely 80 degrees here in Florida, so Triple Citrus sounds splendid to me and my long neglected sweet tooth. Lemon, Lime, and Orange? Yes Please!

Of course I wanted to break out the icing tips for these and attempt to beautify them, but wouldn't you know it that as soon as I piped an adorable little mound of frosting, it flattened out to this...

Oh well, you can't blame a girl for trying. Though I have to admit, it now looks like I covered my cupcakes in what they covered young children in on Nickelodeon's SlimeTime Live. Does anyone else remember that show besides me? What was that stuff? At least mine is citrus-y sweet and made from ingredients that are indeed edible. 

As always, for me - taste is paramount; so I wasn't too upset about the icing since the entire cupcake screams "summer" in my mouth. For someone who's facing a return to dreary, New Jersey weather in a week, I plan to enjoy these and the warm Florida weather for as long as I can!

I've included the recipe from Read. Cook. Digest. below, and if you really enjoy citrus, I'd suggest adding an additional tsp of zest (or two!) in the batter and the frosting. 

As Always, Happy Baking!

Triple Citrus Cupcakes Via Read. Cook. Digest.

1- 8oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup softened butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tbsp orange zest (increase to 3 if you really love orange!)4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 325 and grease/line 2-12 cup muffin pans

2. Cream butter, cream cheese, sugar, and orange zest in a medium bowl.

3. Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Beat vegetable oil into wet ingredient mixture. Then, alternately fold in flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix only until just incorporated.

5. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched.

6. Let cool while you prepare the frosting

Citrus Frosting

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp (or 2!) lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup softened butter

food coloring (optional)

splash of milk (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients and beat until you have a smooth consistency. If too stiff, add splash of milk.