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Bright Lemon Cupcakes with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Three perfectly baked lemon cupcakes topped with thick swirls of pale yellow frosting, resting on a white plate.
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Make these light and airy lemon cupcakes perfect for Mother’s Day or any spring celebration. They feature a bright citrus flavor and are topped with a simple, tangy cream cheese frosting for a cheerful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and milk.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated. Beat in the lemon juice until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  10. Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. Garnish with a thin lemon slice or a mint sprig for aesthetic desserts.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can brush the tops of the warm cupcakes with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and lemon juice before frosting.
  • If you want a stronger lemon flavor in the frosting, add a few drops of yellow food coloring for visual joy.
  • This recipe makes excellent spring cupcakes for any party food ideas.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/lemon-cupcakes-bright-tangy-cream-cheese-frosting/