Description
These Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor in every bite. The moist lemon cupcakes pair perfectly with the creamy homemade lemon buttercream frosting, creating a bright and refreshing dessert that works beautifully for birthdays, brunches, spring gatherings, baby showers, or simple weekend baking. This easy recipe delivers bakery-style cupcakes with simple ingredients and fresh lemon flavor that feels light, sweet, and irresistible. Whether you need quick dessert ideas, easy cupcake recipes, homemade party desserts, or fresh citrus baking inspiration, these lemon cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the batter.
7. Mix until just combined and smooth without overmixing.
8. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
11. Beat the butter for the frosting until creamy.
12. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
13. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
14. Whip the buttercream until light and fluffy.
15. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish as desired.
Notes
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor and aroma.
Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
For extra fluffy buttercream, beat the frosting for several additional minutes until light and airy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon cupcakes, lemon buttercream, easy dessert, cupcake recipe, homemade cupcakes, citrus dessert, party cupcakes, easy baking recipe