Lemon Cupcakes

If you're looking for a dessert that's both sweet and refreshing, look no further than lemon cupcakes. With their light, fluffy texture and tart yet sweet flavor, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleasing choice for everything from summer picnics to elegant dinner parties.

Top with your favorite frosting or add a lemon buttercream frosting for an extra burst of lemon flavor!

Homemade cupcakes

This recipe for lemon cupcakes offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Made with a combination of cake flour, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder, the cupcakes have a light and fluffy texture that's both moist and tender.

What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of both fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest in the batter. The juice provides a zesty tanginess that's perfectly complemented by the sweet, buttery flavor of the cake, while the zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma that's hard to resist.

Once baked, these lemon cupcakes are simply delightful, with a delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth. While they're certainly delicious on their own, they can be taken to the next level with a dollop of tangy lemon frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or they can be filled with lemon curd!

Just imagine each lemony bite! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Key ingredients

• Cake Flour - Cake flour gives these cupcakes a lighter crumb. Regular all-purpose flour can be used. The cupcakes will have a slightly coarser crumb.
• Butter - I use salted butter softened to room temperature
• Lemon - Use only fresh lemons here. You'll need both the zest and the juice.
• Milk - Use whole milk or 2% milk

Step by step directions

• Start by creaming butter in a mixer until smooth and creamy
• Add sugar and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy
• Mix in eggs, one at a time until well incorporated
• Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla

• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt
• Stir in half of the flour mixture then add the milk and mix well
• Add the remaining amount of flour. Stir just until incorporated. Use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined.

• Divide batter into paper-lined muffin tins
• Bake until cupcakes are cooked through
• Remove from oven. After 1-2 minutes, remove the cupcakes and cool on a baking rack.

Recipe tips

• Use fresh lemons: For the best possible flavor, use fresh lemons when making lemon cupcakes. The juice and zest from fresh lemons will have a brighter, more intense flavor than bottled lemon juice or dried zest.
• Don't overmix the batter: When making the cupcake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough, rubbery texture. Mix the ingredients just until everything is incorporated and then stop.
• Bring ingredients to room temperature: Be sure to bring your eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature before mixing the batter. Room-temperature ingredients blend more easily and help create a light, fluffy texture. If you don't have time to let them fully come to room temperature, remove them from the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes prior to making them.
• Use cake flour: For an even lighter texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a more tender and delicate crumb.
• Fill the cupcake liners evenly: When filling the cupcake liners, be sure to fill them evenly to ensure that the cupcakes bake evenly. Use a cookie scoop to measure out the batter, and fill each liner about two-thirds full.
• Cool completely before frosting: To avoid melting the frosting, make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding the frosting. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cupcakes in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

To add lemon curd filling

Adding a bit of lemon curd to the center of a lemon cupcake adds a bit of extra flavor! It's a fun way to mix up a regular cupcake.

• Cut a small piece from the top center part of the cupcake
• Remove the cut piece and discard or enjoy for a snack
• Fill the cupcake with a small dollop of lemon curd
• Frost the cupcake as normal covering the hole and filling

More delicious cupcakes

• Oreo Cupcakes
• Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
• Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
• Cute Monster Cupcakes
• Sprinkle Filled Cupcakes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my dessert recipes!