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+ servings
Clara Whitley

Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

Delicious lemon cupcakes topped with a creamy lemon buttercream, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups buttermilk Substitute with dairy-free milk + ½ tsp vinegar
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the lemon buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk.
  6. Folding in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice carefully into the batter.
Baking
  1. Scoop the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake for about 18–20 minutes or until the tops spring back when gently pressed.
  3. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Buttercream Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well to avoid a kitchen mess.
  3. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and pinch of salt until fluffy and smooth.
  4. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk for piping consistency.
  5. Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the lemon buttercream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 200mgSugar: 25g

Notes

These cupcakes are perfect for tea parties, birthday celebrations, or any spring and summer gatherings. You can also add poppy seeds or swap lemon for orange or lime for variety.

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