Description
Delightful lemon cupcakes bring sunshine to dessert tables with their zesty charm. Moist, tangy crumb topped with silky buttercream promises a refreshing escape that will charm your taste buds and elevate any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
Leavening and Flavoring:
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners, ensuring even spacing for consistent baking.
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cupcakes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate crumb.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, distributing the citrus flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Carefully spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, the cupcakes are ready to be topped with frosting or enjoyed as is, showcasing their bright, lemony flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant and authentic citrus flavor in your cupcakes.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cupcake’s delicate texture.
- Reduce sugar slightly and add a touch of honey for a more complex sweetness that complements the bright lemon notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg