Lemon Cupcakes 

These Lemon Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons with a soft, moist crumb. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea, these cupcakes are topped with a tangy lemon frosting that enhances their citrusy goodness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1½ cups all purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about three quarters full.

7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

9. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

10. Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread or pipe the lemon frosting onto each cupcake.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 90mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 35g

• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugars: 20g

• Protein: 2g

• Vitamin D: 0.5mcg

• Calcium: 20mg

• Iron: 0.5mg