Lemon Cupcakes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of citrus-flavored desserts, these lemon cupcakes will become your new favorite. The cupcakes are soft, light, and moist, while the lemon buttercream frosting adds an extra layer of decadence. The tartness from the lemon is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the frosting, making these cupcakes an irresistible combination of flavors. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and visually stunning, making them an ideal choice for parties, gatherings, or just a special treat.

Ingredients

Lemon Cupcakes:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup butter, room temperature

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1½ tablespoons lemon zest

• ⅓ cup lemon juice

Lemon Buttercream:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter

• 3½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream

Garnish (Optional):

• Lemon slices

• Edible flowers (such as pansies)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Lemon Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter on low speed for about a minute until smooth.

4. Gradually add the sugar while the mixer is still on low. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 20 seconds after each addition.

6. Increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2 minutes, until the batter is pale yellow and fluffy.

7. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stop mixing once you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix.

8. Pour in the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix on low until just combined.

9. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

10. Bake in the center of the oven for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

11. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat the butter in a stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar in four parts, beating until fully incorporated.

3. Add the lemon juice and milk, then increase the speed to high and beat for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle (like the Wilton 1M tip).

5. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, creating decorative swirls.

6. Garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers, if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 21 minutes

• Total Time: 41 minutes

Variations

• Cupcake Flavor: While lemon is the star of this recipe, you can experiment by adding other citrus zest like lime or orange to the batter for a unique twist.

• Frosting: If you prefer a less tangy frosting, you can reduce the lemon juice or substitute it with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor profile.

• Decorating: Try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting or placing a small sprig of mint alongside the lemon slice for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the cupcakes. For the best results, stick to unsalted butter.

2. How can I make the cupcakes more moist?

Ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This will help create a smoother batter and contribute to a more tender cupcake.

3. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon zest and juice?

Yes, but the fresh flavor of lemon zest and juice will give a more vibrant taste. If using extract, reduce the amount to about ½ teaspoon.

4. What can I substitute for whole milk?

You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk or heavy cream for an even richer flavor and texture.

5. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you use is suitable for baking cupcakes.

7. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you find the frosting too sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar by ½ cup or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

8. Can I add fruit to the cupcakes?

Yes, you can fold in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the cupcake batter for a fruity twist.

9. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking after baking?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, and be sure your oven temperature is correct. Use an oven thermometer if needed to ensure accuracy.

10. Can I make mini lemon cupcakes?

Yes, you can make mini versions of these cupcakes by reducing the bake time to around 12-15 minutes. Check with a toothpick to make sure they’re fully baked.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their light and moist texture paired with the sweet and tangy lemon buttercream frosting, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special celebration, or just as a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes will never disappoint. Enjoy baking, and be prepared for the compliments that will come your way!