Brighten up your day with these Zesty Lemon Cupcakes! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor, these cupcakes are light, fluffy, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, from tea parties to casual indulgence, these cupcakes will impress anyone who takes a bite.
1. Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cupcakes
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a tangy twist.
- Soft and Moist Texture: Perfectly balanced with the creamy frosting.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Great for celebrations or everyday treats.
2. Ingredients List
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Lemon:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon juice and zest.
- Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
4. Tips for Perfect Lemon Cupcakes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Cool Completely: Always cool cupcakes fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
5. Frosting Variations
- Lemon Buttercream: Swap cream cheese for butter to create a light lemon buttercream frosting.
- Berry Twist: Add pureed raspberries or blueberries for a fruity frosting.
- Coconut Cream: Top with coconut flakes for a tropical vibe.
6. Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cupcake (makes 12 cupcakes)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
7. FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving.
Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
What can I use as a garnish?
Lemon zest, candied lemon slices, or even edible flowers make excellent garnishes.
8. Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting are a delightful treat that combine the tangy brightness of lemon with the velvety richness of cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite. Try them out and let us know how you customize yours in the comments below!