Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

So it's offical.  My oldest niece is an old lady.

Which makes me an even older old lady.

She turned 13 a week ago and its turning everyone's lives upside down.

I'm kidding, she's not turning everyones life upside down......yet.  ;p

But I am definitely seeing changes. I knew it was all over when I first saw her standing like this.

Ok.....so I totally made her pose like this for a picture BUT that's only because I couldn't for the life of me find a picture on Google of someone standing like this.

But am I not right?  I mean isn't this the quintessential angsty teen stance?

The first time I saw her like this I weeped a little.  My bug is getting big.  Sniff sniff.

Anywho....

She requested my Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes for her family shin dig

And this recipe is easy as cake!  

Just get yourself a white cake mix.  (I'm a pillsbury girl cuz me and the little guy can relate)

Replace the water with orange juice.  I've used the crappy juice before and it just doesn't come out as well.  Spring for the Naked juice (or any good quality juice) if you can....it makes a HUGE difference.

The zest of an orange.

And orange extract.  

This was the first time I used McCormick brand orange extract.  Before this I had been using an extract I got at an asian market.  With the old one I only had to use 2 tsp, but this McCormick didn't seem to be as strong so I used 4 tsp. 

Start with 2 tsp. and adjust to your tastes.  I actually taste the batter because I live life on the edge....but if you aren't as wreckless as me you can judge by smell or shear intuition.

Add a smidgen of orange food coloring if you so desire (and I do so desire)

 Bake (duh)

And frost with my vanilla Coffee Creamer Buttercream

I put an orange slice candy on top cuz I think it's darn cute!

Yum.