easy orange almond cupcakes w/ dk chocolate icing

Ingredients For easy orange almond cupcakes w/ dk chocolate icing

• CUPCAKES
• 1 box

  yellow cake mix
• 1/2 c

  flour (high altitude)
• oil as listed on package
• 3

  eggs
• replace water on package with country style oj
• 1 box

  vanilla instant pudding (sm)
• 1/8 tsp

  almond extract (optional)
• add orange food coloring if you'd like a brighter orange color
• 2/3 c

  almonds, blanched chopped very fine
• 1 can

  mandarin oranges; drained, patted dry & rough chopped
• DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING
• 1 c

  butter, softened
• 1 c

  cocoa powder
• 1/2-1 c

  milk
• 1 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 4 c

  powdered sugar