Description
Soft and fluffy lemon cupcakes bursting with fresh citrus flavor and topped with a smooth, creamy lemon buttercream frosting. Perfectly moist with a tender crumb and bright finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 medium fresh lemons, zest and 2 tablespoons juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two thirds full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and mix until creamy and smooth.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg