Lemon-Filled Cupcakes

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
• Beat lemon cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl for 2 minutes.
• Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
• Bake cupcakes in the preheated oven until very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool cupcakes thoroughly.
• Cut vegetable shortening and 1/4 cup butter together in a bowl with a pastry cutter until well mixed. Beat lemon juice into shortening mixture until creamy.
• Stir 2 cups confectioners' sugar into shortening mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, until filling is smooth. Set filling aside.
• Place white chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave on high for 15 seconds and stir chocolate. Continue heating in 15 second intervals, stirring between heating until white chocolate is melted and smooth.
• For frosting, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Stir in melted white chocolate and vanilla extract.
• Gradually beat in 4 cups confectioners' sugar, alternating with drizzles of orange juice, to make a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Cut holes through the top of each cupcake. Holes should be deep enough to put filling inside.
• Spoon lemon filling into the holes.
• Pipe cream cheese frosting on top of cupcakes; sprinkle with lemon zest.