Zesty Lemon Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting

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

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Lemon:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon juice and zest.
5. Combine:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. 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.
7. Cool:
   • Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 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.
9. 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!