Orange Kiss-Me Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious. They are light and airy tasting with just the right amount of orange flavoring. Originally this recipe called for a traditional, thick butter orange frosting, but I prefer it with just a glaze (saves on the calories a little, too).

• Ready In: 39 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  grated  orange rind
• 1⁄4 cup  fresh orange juice
• 3  tablespoons butter, melted
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  orange extract or 1⁄2 teaspoon  orange flavoring
• 1  egg yolk
• 1  cup  sifted cake flour
• 2⁄3 cup sugar, divided
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 4  egg whites
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar

• ORANGE GLAZE

• 1  cup powdered sugar
• 1⁄3 cup  orange juice

Directions

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl; stir well and set aside.
2. Combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl.
3. Add orange juice mixture; beat at low speed of an electric mixer until smooth.
4. Set aside.
5. Beat egg whites (at room temperature) and cream of tartar at high speed of an electric mixer until foamy.
6. Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently stir 1/4 of egg white mixture into orange mixture.
8. Gently fold remaining egg white mixture into orange mixture.
9. Divide batter evenly among 12 paper lined muffin cups.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 19 minutes or until lightly browned.
11. Remove from pan; let cool on a wire rack (set over a piece of wax paper).
12. Mix powdered sugar and orange juice until it is the consistency you desire (adding more or less juice).
13. Spread thinly over the top of the cupcakes.