Zesty Homemade Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Crafting delectable lemon cupcakes at home brings pure joy to baking enthusiasts seeking a zesty dessert.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as ingredients blend into magical treats.

Soft, tender crumbs promise delightful moments of citrusy pleasure.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between tangy brightness and creamy smoothness.

Whisked eggs and fresh lemons create remarkable texture and intense flavor profiles.

Simple techniques guarantee success for bakers of every skill level.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible little cakes that sparkle with sunshine and sweetness.

Homemade Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting Treat

• Burst with Bright Flavors: Zesty lemon and sweet vanilla create a mouthwatering combination that dances on your taste buds, making every bite a delightful sensory experience.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: These cupcakes shine at baby showers, birthday parties, or casual family get-togethers, adding a touch of homemade charm to any celebration.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, encouraging even novice cooks to create something spectacular.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust the lemon intensity or add decorative sprinkles to match your personal style and wow your friends and family with a personalized dessert.

Ingredients for Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cupcake base.
• Baking Powder: This essential leavening agent helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A small amount that enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender crumb in the cupcake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture to the cupcake.
• Milk: Contributes to the moist and tender texture of the cupcake.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to both the cupcake and frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting for the cupcakes.
• Heavy Cream: Helps to achieve a light and fluffy frosting consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide for Lemon Cupcakes with Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with adorable paper liners. This sets the stage for your delightful lemon cupcake adventure.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly blended. This creates the foundation for your fluffy cupcakes.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Add eggs one by one, giving each a good mix to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 4: Add Zesty Flavor

Stir in fresh lemon juice, bright lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will make your cupcakes burst with tangy, sweet goodness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until the batter becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully distribute the batter into your prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures perfect rising and even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cupcake tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cupcakes are ready.

Step 8: Create Creamy Frosting

Whip butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each one with the vanilla cream. Get ready to enjoy your homemade lemon cupcake masterpiece!

Tips for Light and Fluffy Lemon Cupcakes with Frosting

• Zest lemons thoroughly to maximize citrusy flavor and ensure bright, intense lemon notes in your cupcakes.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter for smoother batter and more consistent texture.
• Check cupcakes early to prevent overbaking; every oven varies slightly in temperature and baking time.
• For dairy-free alternatives, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter in frosting.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Flavor Twists for Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Orange Zest Variation: Swap lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and vegan butter substitute for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Serving Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting Perfectly

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Serve these lemon cupcakes alongside fresh fruit salad and hot coffee for a delightful morning spread that brightens up any weekend gathering.
• Summer Garden Party Centerpiece: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered platter with edible flower petals scattered around, creating an elegant dessert display that captures outdoor celebration vibes.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair these cupcakes with chamomile or Earl Grey tea, using delicate china plates to elevate the sophisticated dessert experience for a refined gathering.
• Gift-Worthy Dessert Package: Package individual cupcakes in clear mini boxes with a satin ribbon, perfect for thoughtful homemade gifts that showcase your baking skills.

Best Ways to Keep Lemon Cupcakes Fresh

• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Refrigerate frosted cupcakes in a sealed container for 3-4 days, ensuring they're covered to prevent drying out.
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 hours before adding fresh frosting and serving.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How can I make the cupcakes more lemony?

Add extra lemon zest or brush the cooled cupcakes with a light lemon syrup to intensify the citrus flavor.

• What if I don't have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though the frosting might be slightly less creamy and rich.

• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Zesty Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sunshine-inspired lemon cupcakes with vanilla frosting bring zesty comfort to classic dessert lovers. Citrus notes blend perfectly with creamy frosting, creating a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a cupcake tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a light texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
5. Infuse the batter with bright citrus notes by mixing in fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and pure vanilla extract.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a silky, smooth consistency.
7. Distribute the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising.
8. Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean.
9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
10. Create a luxurious frosting by whipping butter and powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, smooth texture.
11. Enhance the frosting with vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until it becomes light and fluffy.
12. Generously spread the vanilla frosting over the cooled cupcakes, creating elegant swirls or peaks as desired.

Notes

• Zest the lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and ensure vibrant citrus notes throughout the cupcakes.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to create a smoother, more uniform batter that rises evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg