Yeah you read it right, Orange Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting.. I had to make something for my coworker’s birthday and I wanted it to be fast but amazing and special. I decided to alter a box mix for a unique flavor and do some homemade buttercream (so I could lick the bowl). They turned out absolutely tasty, great for any party, potluck, or celebration.

Cupcakes

I discovered that Duncan Hines Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake mix is not only amazingly chocolatey, but it also includes a separate pouch of pudding-like chocolate that you can either mix into the cake batter OR place a spoonful of it onto the center of  each cupcake cup of batter right before putting it in the oven and POOF… lava cakes! Just follow the directions and sub 1/8 cup of the water for strong orange liquor and add 1.5 tsp of orange zest to add some nice flavor. Just make sure the liquor is something strong, I used one that was 40% alcohol.

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup shortening
1 cup butter (at room temperature)
7 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons almond extract
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup strong orange liquor