Halloween-Inspired Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Halloween decorations (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and whisk until smooth.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, orange zest, and orange juice until combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter between the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add heavy cream and mix until combined. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
8. Decorate with Halloween decorations, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• Cupcakes have been around since the mid-1700s.
• Halloween is the second most popular holiday in the United States.
• Orange is the traditional color of Halloween.