1 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour, spooned and leveled
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup black coffee
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange zest
1/3 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 to 2 drops orange food coloring
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 12-muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
Whisk in the olive oil, coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then whisk until well combined. Sift the remaining half of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, then whisk until just combined – do not over-mix the second portion of the flour.
Spoon the batter into the liners until they are about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out of the center of a cupcake clean. Let them cool for 15 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the baking process for the remainder of your batter.
Meanwhile, prepare your buttercream. In a medium bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Add one cup of confectioners sugar and beat until combined. Add another cup and beat until combined. Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and the third cup of confectioners sugar and beat until combined. Add the fourth cup of confectioners sugar and beat on high speed for two to three minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy.
When the cupcakes have cooled, transfer the frosting to a piping bag, Pipe the cupcakes in a circular motion, starting on the outside and working your way into the center.
Let the frosting set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight. These can be enjoyed for up to four days.
