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Lemon Cupcakes Recipe

These delightful lemon cupcakes boast a tender, moist crumb and a vibrant lemony essence. Made from scratch using simple ingredients, they are crowned with a luscious lemon cream cheese frosting that elevates them to perfection.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon Cupcakes Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 15 cupcakes

Ingredients

Lemon Cupcakes

  • 1 cup 198 g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 113 g whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1.5 cups 168 g cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups 454 g confectioner's sugar
  • 4 ounces 113 g cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Lemon Cupcakes

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate lumps; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until fully blended and smooth.
  • In a small bowl, combine the milk with lemon juice; set aside for a few minutes.
  • Gradually incorporate half the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently. Follow by adding half the milk mixture, mixing until just combined. Repeat the process with the remaining dry and wet ingredients, ensuring everything is just mixed and smooth.
  • Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until the centers spring back when lightly touched. If an indentation remains, bake for a few more minutes.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  • Gradually add confectioner's sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until well incorporated. Then whip the mixture on high speed for 2-3 minutes, achieving a fluffy texture.
  • Blend in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating for an additional 1-2 minutes until light and airy.
  • Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto the cooled cupcakes, and serve immediately.