Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These orange creamsicle cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are hands down the best cupcakes I’ve ever made. Each one with frosting is only 7 Weight Watchers points!
We made these cupcakes in three versions: ‘
- plain which are 5 Weight Watchers points and 148 calories, 3 fat, 33 carbs, 1 fiber and 3 protein
- low calorie cream cheese frosting which are 7 Weight Watchers points, 184 calories, 6 fat, 44 carbs, 1 fiber and 4 protein
- walnut and sugar which are 7 Weight Watchers points, 175 calories, 5 fat, 35 carbs, 1 fiber and 3 protein
Ingredients needed:
- flour – we used all-purpose flour
- sugar
- non calorie sweetener – we used monk fruit
- baking powder
- salt
- avocado oil
- unsweetened almond milk
- oranges (for zest and in the batter)
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
Is butter or oil better for cupcakes?
When baking cupcakes, the choice between butter and oil significantly impacts the texture, flavor, and moisture of the final product. Butter, with its rich flavor and creamy consistency, adds a delicious depth and can create a slightly denser crumb due to its solid structure at room temperature. It also contributes to aeration when creamed with sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cupcake.
On the other hand, oil—being liquid at all temperatures—yields a more tender and consistently moist texture, as it coats the flour proteins more thoroughly, preventing gluten formation. While oil-based cupcakes may lack the distinct buttery flavor, they often stay softer for longer, making them an excellent choice for keeping cupcakes fresh over several days.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize flavor (butter) or moisture (oil) in your cupcakes.
What is monk fruit?
Monk fruit is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that serves as a healthy alternative to sugar, especially for those looking to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness. Derived from the monk fruit, it provides intense sweetness without raising blood sugar levels. Unlike artificial sweeteners, monk fruit is considered a more natural option and does not have the bitter aftertaste that some sugar substitutes can leave behind.
It is a great choice for people following low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets, as it has no impact on blood glucose levels. Additionally, some studies suggest that monk fruit may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether used in baking, coffee, or sauces, monk fruit offers a way to enjoy sweetness while supporting a healthier lifestyle.
In this recipe I’ve still added just ¼ cup of regular cane sugar to balance the sweetness.
Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These orange creamsicle cupcakes plain, with cream cheese frosting, or sugar and walnuts are sure to be a hit at your next party. Perfect for a spring/summer birthday or Easter.
Ingredients
- 2.25 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener (or your favorite no-calorie sweetener)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 cup orange, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Add the finely chopped oranges to the dry mixture and toss to coat evenly. - In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, eggs, avocado oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
As of the date of this post, each cupcake is 5 Weight Watchers points and 148 calories, 3 fat, 33 carbs, 1 fat and 3 protein. If you add the cream cheese frosting (recipe below) each cupcake is 184 calories, 6 fat, 44 carbs, 1 fiber and 4 protein. If you add 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts and 3 teaspoons of coarse sugar, each cupcake is 175 calories, 5 fat, 35 carbs, 1 fiber and 3 protein. Click here for the Weight Watchers link.
Cream Cheese Frosting
This cupcake frosting uses 0 calorie monk fruit. You can find it at most grocery stores.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 cup monk fruit powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix everything together. Store in the refrigerator until ready to frost the cupcakes.
Notes
By adding this frosting to the base of the cupcake recipe above adds 2 WW points to each cupcake. If you count calories or macros, each serving is 36 calories, 3 fat, 11 carbs, 0 fiber and 1 protein.
New Here?
If you are new here, welcome to My Bizzy Kitchen! I started this blog 16 years ago to document my recipes and daily life, never imagining it would one day become my full-time career. After losing my husband nearly 10 years ago, I navigated the hardest chapter of my life while still finding joy in cooking and sharing my journey.
In December 2020, I took a leap of faith and left my 30-year career as a legal secretary to pursue My Bizzy Kitchen full-time—a decision that changed my life.
Two years later, in October 2022, I was able to hire my daughter, Hannah, full-time, which brings me so much joy. Now, My Bizzy Kitchen is more than just recipes—it’s about embracing life, finding balance, and making healthy living sustainable and fun.
Follow along for delicious recipes (mostly Weight Watchers friendly!), realistic weight loss tips, and my daily adventures on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook (@mybizzykitchen). Let’s get bizzy in the kitchen together!
Looking for more Weight Watchers inspiration? Check out my desserts category!
