If you’re a fan of tangy and refreshing flavors, then lemon cupcakes are the perfect treat for you! Made with fresh lemon juice, these cupcakes are bursting with citrusy goodness that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will guide you through the steps of making lemon cupcakes from scratch. So, put on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on this deliciously tangy adventure!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin baking, it’s essential to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful lemon cupcakes:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
– ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ cup milk
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients will ensure a light and fluffy texture for your cupcakes.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Creaming the butter and sugar together is a crucial step as it helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender cupcake.
Step 3: Adding the Eggs, Vanilla Extract, and Lemon Zest
Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and freshly grated lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the lemon juice perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporating the Dry and Liquid Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine the dry and liquid ingredients. Begin by adding a third of the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, followed by half of the milk. Mix well, and then add another third of the flour mixture, followed by the remaining milk. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
Step 5: Adding the Fresh Lemon Juice
The star ingredient in these lemon cupcakes is, of course, the fresh lemon juice. Squeeze about a quarter cup of lemon juice and gently fold it into the batter. The lemon juice will add a tangy flavor and moistness to the cupcakes, making them irresistible.
Step 6: Filling and Baking the Cupcakes
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise and ensures a perfect dome shape. Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Adding the Finishing Touch: Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
No cupcake is complete without a luscious frosting, and for lemon cupcakes, a lemon cream cheese frosting is the perfect choice. Here’s how you can make this tangy frosting to elevate the flavor of your cupcakes:
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until well combined. Finally, mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the frosting reaches a fluffy and spreadable consistency. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Once your cupcakes have completely cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the lemon cream cheese frosting using a spatula or a piping bag. Sprinkle a touch of lemon zest on top for an extra pop of citrus flavor and a beautiful presentation.
A Deliciously Tangy Treat for All Occasions
Lemon cupcakes are versatile treats that can be enjoyed for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a bridal shower, or simply want to pamper yourself with a delicious dessert, these tangy cupcakes will never disappoint. Their bright and refreshing flavor is bound to put a smile on everyone’s face.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for some citrus goodness, try making your own lemon cupcakes with fresh lemon juice. With their moist texture, tangy flavor, and heavenly cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!