50/50 CUPCAKES RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• Allow butter and egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line twenty-four 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups (or coat with cooking spray). In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a 2-cup glass measuring cup combine buttermilk and orange juice; set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, and vanilla; beat until combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out batter in cups. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cupcakes in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin cups. Cool completely on wire racks. Frost cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting. If desired, top with orange slices. Makes 24 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes. [Sour Milk] To make 3/4 cup sour milk, place 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Add enough milk to make 3/4 cup liquid; stir. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before using. [Orange Buttercream Frosting] In large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 3 tbsp of the orange juice. Stir in grated orange peel. Gradually beat in just enough remaining orange juice to make frosting smooth and spreadable If frosting is too thick, beat in more orange juice, a few drops at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar. Generously frosts 24 cupcakes (about 3 1/2c).