Zesty Lemon Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting

Looking for a sweet treat that packs a citrus punch? These Lemon Cupcakes are just what you need! Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they bring a delightful brightness to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

The best part? They are surprisingly easy to bake! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these zesty delights that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. The combination of fluffy cupcake and creamy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven.

The Perfect Lemon Cupcake Recipe

These Lemon Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a tangy twist. Topped with a luscious lemon cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a refreshing taste that lingers on the palate.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fill Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
9. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
10. Serve: Enjoy your zesty lemon cupcakes with a refreshing beverage!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g