pure sunshine (accurately describes these cupcakes and my cutie pie toddler)

Yesterday was Liam's first birthday and I thought cupcakes would be a better idea than cake because this way he could squish his face in it without wasting almost a whole cake.  Then I had to figure out what flavor cupcakes.  Chocolate seemed a bit much, and vanilla is sooo boring, so I decided on Orange Creamsicle.  This recipe is semi-homemade and therefore way easy.  It smells like Jeff's favorite Jamba Juice and looks like pure sunshine.  These are fantastic.  If you want to go a bit healthier only make a half batch of the frosting (you'll still have enough to to a light layer on each cupcake).  So here is the yummy recipe and I will have birthday photos up soon!




Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 (4 serving size) package cheesecake instant pudding mix
• 1 (3 oz.) package orange flavored Jello
• 1 1/4 cups orange juice
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool on a rack.

Orange Creamsicle Frosting

• 1 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• orange food coloring

Allow cream cheese and butter to stand at room temperature and soften. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, orange extract and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar. Divide frosting into two bowls, add orange food coloring to one bowl.