Orange Marmalade Ricotta Cupcakes

OK, you guys... I thought my kids wouldn't really like these.  I was kind of thinking I was making a more adult cupcake, and yes, I think a cupcake could be considered adult (at least for me anyway).  They are not the super candy~sweet kids normally like, with the bitterness of the marmalade.   I was being selfish in making something I knew I would like.  My kids loved them.  So, they had my cake and they ate it too! :)

for the cupcakes~
1 package plain yellow cake mix
1 cup orange juice
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange marmalade
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs

for the Marmalade Buttercream~
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 heaping tablespoon orange marmalade
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons orange juice

Place a rack in the center of the oven.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking pan with cupcake liners.  Set aside.

Prepare the batter: Place the cake mix, orange juice, ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup marmalade, oil, and the eggs in a large mixing bowl.  Blend with an electric mixer on low for about 30 seconds.  Increase the speed to medium and mix another 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of bowl as needed.  The batter should look thick, and well combined.  Spoon or scoop 1/3 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it three quarters of the way full.

Bake the cupcakes 15~20 minutes or until they are golden.  Remove the pans from oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.  While cupcakes are cooling in pan, place the remaining 4 tablespoons of marmalade in a small saucepan over low heat.  Stir until it thins out, about 3~4 minutes.  Remove the cupcakes from pan and let cool on wire racks.  Brush the marmalade over the tops of the warm cupcakes.  Let the cupcakes cool another 20 minutes before frosting.

Prepare the Marmalade buttercream: Place the butter and orange marmalade in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until creamy, 30 seconds.  Add 2 cups of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of the orange juice and beat on low until the mixture is combined, 30 seconds.  Add the remaining sugar and orange juice and beat until the frosting is spreadable, 30 seconds.  Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until fluffy, 1 minute longer.  Frost cupcakes.