Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cupcake Pan. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also adds a fun touch to your presentation.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This will ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, almond extract, orange zest, and the egg. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise.
Step 7: Bake. Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cupcakes. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Frosting. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla, beating until fluffy and smooth.
Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a spatula or piping bag to frost each cupcake generously with the orange buttercream frosting.
