Description
These Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat featuring moist, tangy lemon-flavored cupcakes topped with a rich and creamy lemon-infused frosting. Perfect for spring gatherings or any occasion that calls for a bright, citrusy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sour cream
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon curd (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to ensure easy cupcake removal and clean baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Flavorings and Egg: Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: In a separate bowl, combine salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by the sour cream, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill Liners and Bake: Evenly fill the cupcake liners with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon curd until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and flavor balance.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, frost the cupcakes generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Decorate as desired and serve.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest or add a bit more lemon juice to the batter.
- If lemon extract is not available, you can omit it or use additional vanilla extract for flavor complexity.
- Ensure all ingredients like butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
