Description
Silky lemon cupcakes with vanilla frosting deliver sunshine on a plate, bringing zesty Mediterranean charm to classic dessert lovers. Creamy swirls and delicate citrus notes promise a delightful escape with each delectable bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
Lemon Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Dry Ingredients and Flavoring:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well integrated.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and airy.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
- Introduce vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest into the butter mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing gently to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
- Distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when removed.
- Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare vanilla frosting by whipping butter until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer.
- Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy texture.
- Apply frosting generously to cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula, creating decorative swirls as desired.
Notes
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure even mixing and a smoother batter consistency.
- Adjust lemon intensity by adding more zest for a stronger citrus flavor or reducing for a milder taste, catering to different preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg