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Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

These bright and zesty Lemon Cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Topped with a creamy lemon buttercream frosting, they are perfect for spring gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you crave a citrusy treat. The combination of oil and butter in the batter creates an irresistible tender crumb, while the tangy frosting adds a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/4 cups (163g) all purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cups (155g) sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tbsp (90ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4–5 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter, Oil, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing until mostly combined after each addition. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  5. Incorporate Half of Dry Ingredients: Add half of the flour mixture to the batter and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Add Milk, Lemon Juice, and Zest: Combine the milk and fresh lemon juice in a separate container. Slowly add this liquid along with the lemon zest to the batter, mixing well to integrate all flavors.
  7. Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until the batter is smooth and combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
  8. Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar: Add about half of the powdered sugar to the butter and beat until smooth and well combined.
  12. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and lemon zest until the frosting is flavorful and homogeneous.
  13. Finish Frosting: Add the remaining powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating the mixture until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency and flavor by adding more lemon juice as needed.
  14. Frost Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with Ateco tip 844, pipe the lemon buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes in an attractive swirl or your preferred design.
  15. Storage and Serving: Store the cupcakes covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours, then refrigerate. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Serve cupcakes at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep cupcakes tender.
  • Cupcakes are best served at room temperature for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Butter and oil combined give a moist texture with a rich flavor.
  • To adjust frosting consistency, add lemon juice incrementally.
  • Store cupcakes covered in a cool place or refrigerate after 24 hours.
  • Using a piping tip like Ateco 844 creates a professional finish on frosting.

Keywords: lemon cupcakes, lemon buttercream, citrus cupcakes, baked cupcakes, lemon dessert, spring dessert, homemade cupcakes

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/lemon-cupcakes-with-lemon-buttercream-frosting-recipe/