Lemon cupcakes – These little bundles of joy bring together the zing of fresh lemons and the indulgence of moist, fluffy cake, topped with luscious frosting that will leave everyone asking for more.
What Makes Lemon Cupcakes So Special?
Lemon cupcakes stand out for their bright and refreshing flavor, thanks to the natural tang of fresh lemons. They’re ideal for a variety of occasions—spring picnics, baby showers, or even as a simple weekday dessert. The balance of tart and sweet in these cupcakes is what makes them universally loved.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Cupcakes
Getting the perfect lemon cupcakes involves a few key steps:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are non-negotiable. They provide a vibrant flavor that bottled lemon juice just can’t match.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light and airy texture.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter emulsify, creating a smoother texture.
- Zest Smartly: Use a microplane grater for the lemon zest and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Check for Doneness: Cupcakes bake quickly, so keep an eye on them. Use a toothpick to check; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
Variations to Try
Lemon cupcakes are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:
- Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes: Add fresh blueberries to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes: Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Vegan Lemon Cupcakes: Replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed and use plant-based milk and butter.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes: Swap out all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Lavender Lemon Cupcakes: Infuse the batter or frosting with dried culinary lavender for a sophisticated twist.
How to Serve Lemon Cupcakes
These cupcakes are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
- Casual Treats: Pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Elegant Desserts: Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit for a plated dessert.
- Seasonal Flair: Garnish with edible flowers or candied lemon slices for special events.
Storing Lemon Cupcakes
Proper storage ensures your cupcakes stay fresh and flavorful:
- At Room Temperature: Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- In the Refrigerator: Frosted cupcakes should be kept in the fridge in a covered container. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost when ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make lemon cupcakes without a stand mixer?
Yes! A hand mixer or even a whisk will work. Just ensure you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for a fluffy texture.
2. What’s the best frosting for lemon cupcakes?
Cream cheese frosting, lemon buttercream, or vanilla buttercream are all fantastic choices. Each complements the tartness of the cupcakes beautifully.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While it’s convenient, bottled juice lacks the fresh, vibrant flavor of real lemons. Freshly squeezed juice is always recommended.
4. How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
This often happens when the batter is overmixed or the oven temperature is too high. Mix gently and bake at the recommended temperature for best results.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your mixing bowl and oven can handle the larger batch.
Lemon Cupcakes
Lemon cupcakes - These little bundles of joy bring together the zing of fresh lemons and the indulgence of moist, fluffy cake, topped with luscious frosting that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (213g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (170g)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature (120mL)
- 1/4 cup whole milk, warm (60mL)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60mL)
For the Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 4.5 cups powdered sugar (540g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Infuse the Sugar: Combine sugar and lemon zest in a food processor, pulsing until the sugar turns pale yellow and aromatic.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, warm milk, melted butter, lemon juice, sour cream, and the infused sugar. Ensure all ingredients are room temperature; if the mixture clumps, microwave for 30 seconds and stir.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 5 minutes at 375°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are springy to the touch. Cool completely before frosting.
For the Lemon Buttercream:
- Cream the Base: Beat butter, lemon zest, and salt together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually sift in powdered sugar in batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Finish with Lemon: Pour in the lemon juice while mixing on low speed. Scrape down the bowl and mix until creamy.
- Decorate: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
14Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 483Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 93mgSodium 158mgCarbohydrates 63gFiber 1gSugar 50gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Lemon cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a slice of sunshine that brightens up any day. With their tangy, sweet flavor and moist texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
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