Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

I am so ready for summer to be here.  Luckily this next week, is going to provide some really nice spring weather.  I will take it!  In the spirit of spring & summer, we {my girls & I} have been making a lot of items that have those summer "flavors."  Oh the joy! Plus, don't we all enjoy a Creamsicle sometimes?

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

1 yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1 cup milk

2-3 drops yellow food coloring

1-2 drops red food coloring

1/3 cup orange juice concentrate

whipping cream ~ fresh

Mix yellow cake mix, eggs, and milk together.  Once well mixed, add in yellow & red food coloring to make a nice orange color. Pour batter into cupcake liners and fill about 3/4 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until cake springs back while lightly touched.  

Once cupcakes are completely cool, If you don't have a Bismarck Tip for filling pastries, cut out small portion of center, about size of quarter, set "tops" next to cupcake.  

In a separate bowl, whip the cream till it forms soft peaks.  Fold in 1/3 cup orange juice concentrate into the whipped cream. Pipe filling into center of cupcakes {or spoon filling into centers, if not using a Bismarck Tip and add tops back onto cupcakes}.  Frost with remaining orange cream or just plain whipped cream. 

Homemade Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

(Depends on flavor preference)

Pour creaminto large mixxing bowl and whip at low speed.  Gradually increase speed till cream thickens and forms soft peaks.  

Add in powdered sugar & mix on low speed till well blended.

Keep whipped cream refrigerated.