Description
These Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, moist, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, they’re perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup milk
Vanilla Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest for bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Make Frosting: For the vanilla frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the vanilla frosting evenly on top.
- Serve: Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired, then serve and enjoy your delicious lemon vanilla cupcakes.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor.
- Garnish the frosted cupcakes with extra lemon zest for a fresh, decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American