Made with sparkling blood orange, a hint of almond, and a touch of gold, these Blood Orange Cupcakes are an eye-catching treat to honor new beginnings.

These Blood Orange Lunar New Year Cupcakes are made to shine. They start with a boxed cake mix but get a major upgrade from sparkling blood orange, buttermilk, and a zesty citrus-almond combo. Topped with gold glitter and festive decorations, they’re the kind of dessert that feels celebratory and lucky—just right for ringing in the new year with sweetness and sparkle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with a white or vanilla cake mix
• Uses sparkling blood orange for a fun citrus twist
• Perfect cupcakes for Lunar New Year celebrations
• Almond frosting adds a unique and festive flavor
• Edible gold glitter makes them party-ready
• Bright, fresh, and full of flavor with simple ingredients
• Great make-ahead option for holiday gatherings

Ingredient Notes

• Sparkling Blood Orange – This gives the cupcakes a light, citrusy flavor and fluffy texture. You can use any sparkling blood orange soda or beverage (like Sanpellegrino or IZZE).
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and richness to the cake mix. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute with milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Orange Zest – Use fresh zest for the best flavor. It brightens the cupcakes and boosts the blood orange notes.
• Almond Extract – Just a touch goes a long way. It gives the frosting a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus and adds a festive twist.
• Edible Gold Glitter – Totally optional but gives the cupcakes that celebratory shimmer. Look for food-safe versions labeled as edible, not just decorative.

Before You Bake

Can I use regular orange juice instead of sparkling blood orange?
You can, but the cupcakes won’t have the same fluffy texture or sparkle. Sparkling blood orange adds both flavor and lightness.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem—mix ½ cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Do I have to use a piping bag for the frosting?
Nope! You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off or simply spread it with a spoon or spatula.

Blood Orange Lunar New Year Cupcakes

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
• 3 large eggs 
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup sparkling blood orange 
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 2 sticks of salted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsp blood orange juice
• 1 tsp almond extract

Decorating:

• Lunar New Year toppers
• Edible gold glitter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with 24 liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sparkling blood orange, buttermilk, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Divide evenly between liners and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add in half the powdered sugar and beat until light.
5. Add remaining sugar, blood orange juice (start with 3 tbsp and adjust to desired consistency), and almond extract. Beat until light, fluffy, and smooth.
6. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip. Pipe tall swirls onto each cooled cupcake.
7. Finish with a sprinkle of edible gold glitter and Lunar New Year toppers.

FAQ

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
They stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to 5 days if refrigerated.

Can I make these Lunar New Year cupcakes in advance?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes the day before and frost them the day of your celebration for best results.

Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate before serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, white or vanilla works best to let the blood orange shine, but lemon could be fun for extra citrus.

Where can I find edible gold glitter?
Look in the baking section of craft stores or online. Make sure it’s labeled as “edible” (not “non-toxic”).

Sprinkle of Fun

Bake a batch of these Blood Orange Cupcakes before heading out to enjoy a local lantern festival or dragon dance performance. Set up a red-and-gold dessert table, hand out lucky red envelopes, and host a dumpling-making night with friends and family. Whether you’re watching fireworks light up the sky or playing traditional games like mahjong, these glittery cupcakes will fit right into the fun.

Grab More Treats

• Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out New Year’s treats here.
• Want more cupcake ideas? You can find them here!
• I have a whole seasonal ebook library FULL of more celebration treats.