What Are The Sweetest Cupcake Baking Trends?

Unlike cakes which you usually have to buy whole in order to enjoy just one slice, cupcakes are a single-serve alternative. If you simply want to satisfy your craving without going into calories-overload, then a small cupcake with just-the-right frosting is the perfect solution.

Where You're Bound to See Cupcakes

The good news is that cupcakes have become such a popular baked goodie that they are seen almost anywhere. Starting from your local bakery to your neighbour's or your own kitchen, cupcakes are such a sweet treat. In fact, they have become so popular that reality TV shows are even patterned after making them. Cupcakes can be used as an alternative to tiered wedding cakes, birthday cakes, anniversary cakes and other cakes for special occasions. For big events, cupcakes are also ideal because the individual-sized serving makes them easier to serve.

In terms of taste and flavour, cupcakes have definitely come a long way. Instead of having just the plain vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, you can have one in every flavour possible. The same thing holds true when it comes to the variety of frosting that you can top the cupcake with.

Orange Cupcake Recipe, Anyone?

Now, if you are on the lookout for cupcake recipes, a growing baking trend is to incorporate fruits like berries and citrus into cupcake flavors. Here's an example, which is a recipe for orange cupcakes that you can follow:

For the orange cupcakes, you will need: 3 cups flour 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup milk ¼ cup freshly-squeezed orange juice

For the frosting, prepare: 1 8-oz. package cream cheese 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon candied oranges, cut in slivers ¾ cup confectioner's sugar

To bake the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The recipe is good for 24 muffins, so prepare paper liners along with the tin can where the cupcakes can be baked. Whisk the flour, salt and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Use a separate bowl to beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, carefully adding eggs one at a time. Add the orange zest.

Next, mix the milk and orange juice together. On the butter mixture, alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures. Use about one-third of the mixture until it is all used up. Beat the resulting mixture until slightly combined, and be careful not to over mix the batter.

Fill the muffin liners with ¼ cup of the batter, then bake. Allow the cupcakes to cool before adding the frosting. To make it, simply beat the cream cheese, butter and sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla, then continue beating the mixture. Fold in the candied orange slivers, spoon the frosting over the cupcakes and enjoy!

There's no doubt that cupcakes are already a staple item in every kitchen and occasion where food is served. Whether you like the fancier variants like red velvet with cream cheese frosting or if you like the classic flavours, one taste of these delicious baked goodies will definitely satisfy your palate.