Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Natural Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide an authentic citrus taste.
Soft and Tender Texture: Using cake flour results in a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that complements the zesty cupcake.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for celebrations like Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or any time you crave a refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1½ cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 12 cupcakes.
Preparation Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Baking Time: 18-20 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes.

Variations

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the frosting.
Cake Flour Substitute: If you don’t have cake flour, measure 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, remove 3 tablespoons, and replace with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk together and sift before using.
Filled Cupcakes: For an extra surprise, hollow out the center of each cooled cupcake and add a teaspoon of lemon curd before frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour by creating a cake flour alternative. Measure 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, remove 3 tablespoons, and add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk and sift the mixture before using.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar to 3 cups and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Yes, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the frosting for a vibrant appearance.

What type of piping tip should I use for frosting?

A large star tip works well for creating decorative swirls on top of the cupcakes.

Lemon Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with real lemon zest and juice, they deliver the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Topped with a rich and creamy frosting, these cupcakes are ideal for spring and summer gatherings, Easter, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Wet & Dry: Add half of the dry ingredients, mix, then add half of the milk. Repeat. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Fill Liners: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, frost using a piping bag or spatula.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the frosting.
No cake flour? Substitute by removing 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and replacing it with 3 tablespoons cornstarch.
For a surprise filling, add a teaspoon of lemon curd to the center of each cupcake before frosting.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American