Description
These Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream are bright, fluffy, and full of fresh citrus flavor in every bite. They are the kind of easy dessert that feels special enough for parties, brunch, spring gatherings, and birthday tables, yet simple enough for a casual weekend bake. The cupcake crumb is soft and tender, while the homemade lemon buttercream is creamy, smooth, and packed with sunny lemon flavor. If you are looking for easy dessert ideas, cupcake recipes, baking inspiration, sweet treats for entertaining, or simple food ideas that look beautiful and taste even better, this recipe is one to keep close.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. To make the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and salt.
12. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
13. Pipe or spread the lemon buttercream over the cooled cupcakes.
14. Garnish with extra lemon zest or a small lemon slice if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor and the most fragrant cupcakes.
Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting so the buttercream keeps its shape and stays silky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon cupcakes, lemon buttercream, easy dessert, cupcake recipe, spring dessert, homemade cupcakes, baking ideas, sweet treats