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–+ servings

Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

Sally Thompson
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly soft, these Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The fluffy lemon cupcakes are packed with real citrus flavor and topped with a silky smooth lemon buttercream frosting that melts in every bite. Whether you’re searching for easy dessert ideas, spring desserts, cupcake recipes, party treats, brunch desserts, or simple homemade baking recipes, these cupcakes deliver bakery-style flavor with simple ingredients. The combination of sweet vanilla, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest creates a refreshing dessert that feels light yet indulgent. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, afternoon tea, Easter desserts, summer gatherings, or whenever you need a bright and cheerful sweet treat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Fresh lemon slices
  • Extra lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  • 2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • 3. Beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • 4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • 5. Mix in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk until combined.
  • 7. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
  • 8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 9. Cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
  • 10. Beat the butter for the frosting until creamy.
  • 11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream.
  • 12. Pipe or spread the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes.
  • 13. Garnish with lemon slices or extra zest before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor and best aroma.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour or the cupcakes may become dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32g
Keyword bakery style cupcakes, citrus dessert, cupcake ideas, easy cupcake recipe, easy dessert recipe, homemade cupcakes, lemon buttercream, lemon cupcakes, party cupcakes, spring desserts
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