Grand Marnier Cupcakes
Infused with the vibrant citrus notes of orange liqueur, these Grand Marnier Cupcakes are a decadent treat that combine sophistication and sweetness in every bite. Featuring a moist, fluffy base enriched with zesty orange zest and a splash of Grand Marnier, these cupcakes are topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting laced with the same luxurious liqueur. Perfect for celebrations or a grown-up dessert indulgence, this recipe balances the tangy brightness of oranges with the creamy richness of smooth frosting. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, these cupcakes are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Ready in under 40 minutes, they’re the perfect combination of elegance and ease for any occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
- 1 tablespoons Orange zest
- 0.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoons Grand Marnier (for frosting)
- 0.25 cups Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoons Orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
On low speed, alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier, and beat until well combined and fluffy.
Frost the completely cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
Garnish with a light sprinkling of orange zest and serve. Enjoy your Grand Marnier Cupcakes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
355 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.5 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 156 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.5 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.3 g | ||
| Protein | 3.7 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 32 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 55 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
