orange chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache

adapted from baking bites

for the cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup natural cocoa powder

1 cup sugar (I used raw)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup oil, such as veggie or canola

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp orange zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tin with liners.

In a large bowl sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder and soda, and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together orange juice, vegetable oil, vanilla, and zest. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Distribute batter evenly into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

for the ganache:

8 oz bittersweet chocolate

1 cup heavy cream

Place chocolate in a bowl. Over low heat, bring cream almost to a boil, then pour it over chocolate. Whisk until smooth, then let cool to room temperature to spread onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle extra orange zest on top, if desired.

Makes 12.