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.
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
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
