Description
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly soft, these Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream are the perfect dessert for spring parties, birthdays, brunches, and afternoon treats. The cupcakes are light and fluffy with real lemon juice and zest in every bite, while the creamy lemon buttercream adds a smooth citrus finish that tastes bakery-quality right at home. This easy recipe is ideal for anyone searching for dessert ideas, cupcake recipes, easy baking recipes, party desserts, or homemade treats bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
Ingredients
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 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon slices
Extra lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until fully combined.
7. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
10. Beat butter for the frosting until creamy.
11. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
12. Beat the frosting until fluffy and smooth.
13. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
14. Decorate with lemon slices or extra zest before serving.
Notes
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Beat the buttercream longer for extra light and fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon cupcakes, lemon buttercream, cupcake recipe, easy dessert, homemade cupcakes, citrus dessert, party cupcakes, baking recipes