Description
Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream are soft, fluffy, citrusy cupcakes made with fresh lemon juice and zest, then topped with a smooth lemon buttercream frosting for a bright and bakery-style dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. To make the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
12. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lemon buttercream and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the cleanest and brightest flavor.
Do not overmix the batter or the cupcakes can turn out dense instead of soft.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting so the buttercream stays smooth and holds its shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg