Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

I like to bake. I might have an addiction. But i also have a problem with things not tasting REAL!!! I can't have chocolate in my Rootbeer Floats (hehe trinity), or things not being balanced proportionally like I think they should be. It is of course how I THINK it should all taste. Cause well... I am the one cooking!!! :)
When i had a friends husband request Orange Creamsicle i thought to myself what does that include. I decided Vanilla and Orange and nothing else. I pulled wikipedias definition so you can see i am not totally crazy :)
Wikipedia says this-Creamsicle-The center is vanilla ice cream, covered by a layer of flavored ice. Creamsicle flavors include orange, blue raspberry,  lime, grape and cherry. Oh i didn't know Creamsicles had so many flavors this could be FUN!!
My test baking always includes going to the internet seeing what other people have tried. Normally i pick 1 recipe that seems the closest to what i would like and try it...and it seems whenever i do that maybe something will be okay, some are not good, so then i have to create myself and get to work! 
Okay these cupcakes have a vanilla base and a knock your socks of orange frosting! The orange has to be intense cause that is the main taste in a creamsicle but the vanilla has its own independent flavor as well that is why i couldn't have an orange base and orange frosting. Yes i know the orange is intense and you will LOVE it!!! 
ALso when i have pictures of my cupcakes they dont have intense colors, because my little man is allergic to red dye 40 and so we have reduced most dyes from our baking and homemade things now. If you want to add the dye then please do and send me a pretty picture! 

Vanilla Cupcake Base
1 dry vanilla cake mix                                       
1 C. flour                                                          
1 C. sugar (if you have vanilla sugar use it)         
¾ tsp salt                                                          
1 1/3 C. water                        
1 C. sour cream or plain yogurt          
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla (or vanilla paste so you get the pretty vanilla flakes)
3 eggs


Mix all the wet ingredients. Mix all dry separate then add to wet mix. Scoop into cupcake papers and bake 350° for 18-25 min (time depends on your stove and cupcake pan) 

Orange Creamsicle Frosting

1 lb (4 cubes) butter, softened
½ container (3/4 C.)of orange juice concentrate (don't make into juice) 
2 tsp orange extract
6 C. powdered sugar
1 oranges zest
Cream the butter well then add the orange juice concentrate, and extract. Add the powdered sugar slowly to the consistency you want. You could cream the butter then add the powdered sugar, extract and then add juice to right consistency.  Zest can be mixed in or sprinkled on top. Put in piping bag and pipe to your hearts content! 

Printable Recipe here!

I linked to

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up

http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/07/cupcake-palooza-2011.html