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Lemon Cupcakes

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Warm, bright, and irresistibly tender, these Lemon Cupcakes capture the essence of citrus baking with a delicate balance of sweet and tangy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Optional filling: homemade lemon curd
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional for garnish: lemon slices and/or mint sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together until creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
  7. Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. If using lemon curd, core the cooled cupcakes and fill with lemon curd.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the butter, add confectioners’ sugar, cream, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
  11. Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better texture. Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon, cupcakes, dessert, baking, spring recipes, sweet treats

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/lemon-cupcakes/