Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! These little beauties are the perfect combination of tangy, zesty lemon flavor and the creamy sweetness of a velvety frosting. Imagine taking a bite—fluffy, soft cupcake bursting with that bright, citrusy flavor, then immediately followed by the smooth, rich cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a little treat, these cupcakes will definitely steal the show. You’ll be reaching for another one before you even realize it!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Zesty and Sweet: The balance of tangy lemon and sweet, creamy frosting makes these cupcakes irresistibly good. Every bite is pure joy.
• Soft and Fluffy: These cupcakes are light as air, giving you that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a spring party, birthday, or just a Friday afternoon treat, these cupcakes fit every occasion.
• Easy to Make: Don’t worry about complicated steps! These cupcakes are simple to whip up, yet they taste like they came straight from a bakery.
• Customizable: Feel free to add some lemon zest into the frosting for an extra lemon punch or top with a cute little slice of lemon for a fun touch.

Ingredients

Let’s break it down—here’s what you need to make these delightful Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:

For the Cupcakes:

• All-Purpose Flour: This creates the soft, fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: To help the cupcakes rise perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter, giving the cupcakes their deliciously soft crumb.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together for that smooth texture.
• Buttermilk: Makes the cupcakes moist and tender. (You can substitute with regular milk if needed, but buttermilk adds a special touch!)
• Lemon Zest: Brings that zingy lemon flavor we all love.
• Lemon Juice: The real star of the show! Fresh lemon juice gives these cupcakes that fresh, citrusy taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla to complement the lemon flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting—rich, tangy, and creamy.
• Butter: To add smoothness and creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to enhance the flavors.
• Lemon Juice or Lemon Zest: For a little extra lemon kick in the frosting.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to baking these delightful cupcakes!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Lemon:

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mix to combine.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!

6. Bake the Cupcakes:

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the cupcakes are cooling, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or lemon zest. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

8. Frost the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with a little lemon zest or a thin slice of lemon for extra flair!

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Take a moment to admire your cupcakes—you just created something delicious! Now, enjoy the sweetness of that lemony goodness with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: 290
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• With Fresh Berries: These cupcakes are delicious paired with fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Tea Party: Serve them at a cozy tea party for a perfect pairing. Their light, citrus flavor is the ideal match for a cup of Earl Grey or green tea.
• Garnish with Lemon Slices: For a fun, fresh touch, garnish the cupcakes with thin slices of lemon or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Additional Tips

• Lemon Zest in the Frosting: Add some lemon zest to your cream cheese frosting for an extra boost of lemon flavor. It’s a great way to pack in more citrus goodness!
• Make it Ahead: The cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Frost just before serving to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
• Substitute Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk, and letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
• Cupcake Storage: Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A1: Yes, but buttermilk makes the cupcakes extra tender and moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess.

Q2: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.

Q3: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the cupcakes (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Q4: Can I add a lemon glaze instead of frosting?
A4: Yes! If you prefer a lighter topping, you can drizzle a lemon glaze over the cupcakes instead of the frosting. Just mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until you get a smooth, pourable consistency.

Q5: How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A5: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free!

Q6: Can I make mini cupcakes?
A6: Yes, mini cupcakes are a great idea! Just reduce the bake time to about 10-12 minutes, and you’ll have cute, bite-sized treats.

Q7: How can I make these cupcakes more lemony?
A7: For an extra lemony punch, add more lemon zest to both the batter and the frosting, or use more lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Q8: How do I store the leftovers?
A8: Store your leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q9: Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
A9: Yes, you can use buttercream instead if you prefer. Simply use butter, powdered sugar, and a little lemon juice for a smooth, sweet frosting.

Q10: How do I decorate the cupcakes?
A10: You can decorate these cupcakes with lemon slices, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for a little extra sparkle. Get creative!

Conclusion

These Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, tea party, or just a little indulgence, these cupcakes will steal the show and leave you with a smile on your face!

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