Description
These Lemon Cupcakes are a bright and zesty treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are topped with your choice of lemon buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze to enhance their citrus charm. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring a refreshing twist to classic cupcakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to ensure easy removal and baking consistency.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly incorporate the leavening and seasoning components.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will add air and tenderness to the cupcakes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring full incorporation, then mix in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bright citrus and vanilla notes.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make cupcakes dense.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prepares them for frosting or glazing.
Notes
- Top cupcakes with lemon buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Brush cooled cupcakes with lemon syrup before frosting for an additional citrus boost.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
