Description
Bright, fluffy, and full of citrusy charm, these lemon cupcakes are a quick dessert idea that’s perfect for spring brunches, Easter celebrations, or afternoon tea. With a soft crumb and creamy lemon buttercream, they deliver the perfect mix of tart and sweet. Whether you’re hunting for easy baking recipes, spring dessert ideas, or a sweet treat to brighten someone’s day—this easy recipe is it.
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
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
5. Alternately mix in dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mix.
6. Spoon batter into liners, filling about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
10. Add lemon juice and cream, whip until light and fluffy.
11. Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes and garnish as desired.
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
Do not overmix once the flour is added, or the cupcakes may become dense.
For more lemon flavor, add a touch of lemon extract to the batter or frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon cupcakes, spring desserts, easy cupcake recipe, Easter treats, lemon frosting