Orange Chocolate Cupcakes with Mascarpone Buttercream

I've had some mascarpone cheese in the refrigerator that I've been needing to use, but I've been waiting for the perfect use to come to mind.  I think that perfect use came to mind today.  I wanted something that would complement the mascarpone, but not overpower it, because I absolutely love it and definitely want it to be a prominent flavor. I came up with these cupcakes. I added just a bit of orange zest and a few mini chocolate chips to a golden yellow cake mix, and topped it off with my favorite mascarpone buttercream(which is amazing in this recipe).  I don't often use cake mixes, but this is a perfect way to create a super simple, delicious, and easy cupcake treat.

Orange Chocolate Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting

Orange Chocolate Cupcakes:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box (4 serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup sour cream
1 cup oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk

Mascarpone Buttercream:
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, room temperature
2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or substitute vanilla extract)
3 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces mascarpone cheese

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line 24 muffin cups with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, orange zest, and chocolate chips.  Toss together until combined.  Add the sour cream, oil, eggs, and milk, and stir for a minute or two until all of the ingredients are completely incorporated.  Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups and place in the preheated oven.  Bake the cupcakes for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and immediately turn out of the pan.  Let cupcakes cool completely on a cooling rack.

To make the mascarpone buttercream, beat the butter until smooth.  Add the cream, vanilla bean paste, and powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.  Add the mascarpone and beat on low speed just until barely incorporated (if you overbeat the mascarpone, the frosting will break and separate).  Pipe or spread the buttercream on top of the cupcakes.  Makes 24 cupcakes.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy