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1
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325F.
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2
Lightly spray insides of 33 paper molds with nonstick spray; arrange molds on 2 large rimmed baking sheets.
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3
Sift flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt into large bowl.
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4
Whisk eggs, orange peel, vanilla, and orange-flower water in bowl to blend.
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5
Using electric mixer, beat butter in another large bowl until fluffy.
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6
Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended.
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7
Beat in egg mixture in 3 additions.
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8
Beat in dry ingredients in 4 additions alternately with buttermilk, scraping bowl occasionally.
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9
Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each paper mold.
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10
Bake cupcakes until puffed and tester inserted into center comes out clean, reversing sheets after 12 minutes, about 25 minutes total (cupcakes may not brown on top).
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11
Transfer cupcakes to racks; cool completely.
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12
Frost orange cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
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13
(Can be made ahead.
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14
Arrange cupcakes in deep disposable roasting pans.
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15
Cover pans with foil.
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16
Refrigerate up to 2 days, or store at room temperature 1 day.
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17
Bring chilled cupcakes to room temperature before serving.)
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18
Decorate cupcakes with mini roses up to 4 hours before serving.
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19
*A flavoring extract sold at liquor stores and in the liquor section or specialty foods section of some supermarkets.