Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist homemade lemon cupcakes topped off with lemon curd cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or simply a sweet craving on a sunny afternoon, these Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting will brighten your day. Their zesty flavor and light texture make them irresistible, and the creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavors: The tangy lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing taste that celebrates spring and summer.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or just as a sweet snack, they suit any gathering or event.
• Creamy Frosting: The lemon curd cream cheese frosting is not only flavorful but also adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Customizable Options: Experiment with different toppings or even add fruit garnishes for extra flair!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Cupcake pan
• Paper liners
• Cookie scoop
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: This allows for efficient mixing of batter, ensuring everything is well combined.
• Cupcake pan: A standard cupcake pan is needed to shape your cupcakes perfectly.
• Wire rack for cooling: Cooling on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation around the cupcakes.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract (optional)
• 2 Tb lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 1/3 C sour cream

For the Frosting

• 3 Tb unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 C cream cheese (softened)
• 3 C powdered sugar
• 3 Tb lemon curd (room temperature)

How to Make Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard cupcake pan with 8 paper liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg, followed by vanilla extract.
3. Add optional lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix in salt, baking powder, and flour until just combined.
5. Lastly, fold in sour cream until no streaks remain.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared liners using a large cookie scoop.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Allow cooling in the pan for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Once cooled completely:
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time until fully combined.
3. Stir in lemon curd and mix until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a jumbo round tip and frost each cupcake as desired.

Step 6: Store Properly

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days or chilled if preferred.

Enjoy these delightful Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering!

How to Serve Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with some creative serving ideas. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a creamy contrast to the zesty cupcakes.

Accompany with Iced Tea

• A refreshing glass of iced tea, especially lemon-flavored, makes for a perfect beverage pairing.

Add Lemon Curls for Garnish

• Decorative lemon curls not only enhance the presentation but also intensify the citrus aroma.

How to Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting lemon cupcakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cupcakes.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cupcakes a couple of minutes before the recommended bake time for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon cupcakes pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the tartness of the cupcakes.
2. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a different texture and sweetness that pairs nicely with lemon.
3. Mini Cheesecakes: The creamy richness of mini cheesecakes complements the lightness of lemon cupcakes perfectly.
4. Pavlova: This airy meringue-based dessert topped with fruit offers a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
5. Chocolate Mousse: The rich chocolate flavor creates an interesting balance against the bright lemon notes.
6. Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve lemon sorbet alongside your cupcakes to enhance their citrus vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon cupcakes can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Bold measuring: Not measuring ingredients correctly can ruin the texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Bold overmixing batter: Mixing too long after adding flour can make the cupcakes dense. Mix just until combined for fluffier cupcakes.
• Bold skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs affect how well they blend. Always use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
• Bold not checking oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cupcakes. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Bold neglecting cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep away from strong odors to prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a covered pan over low heat for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use other types of frosting?

Yes, you can experiment with different frostings like vanilla buttercream or whipped cream if you’re looking for a change!

How do I make the lemon curd for the frosting?

You can make lemon curd by cooking lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter on low heat until thickened. It adds extra flavor!

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of lemon cupcakes.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for later use.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion, bringing bright flavors and delightful textures. Feel free to customize them by adding berries or changing the frosting as desired!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Moist and zesty, Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that will brighten any occasion. Perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on a sunny afternoon, these cupcakes bring a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The fluffy texture of the cupcake pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon curd cream cheese frosting, making it a luxurious dessert option. Easy to make with straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Customize them with fresh fruit or creative toppings to elevate your dessert experience!

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Ingredients

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• 1/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract (optional)
• 2 Tb lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 C all-purpose flour
• 1/3 C sour cream
• 3 Tb unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 C cream cheese (softened)
• 3 C powdered sugar
• 3 Tb lemon curd (room temperature)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest; mix until combined.
3. Gradually incorporate salt, baking powder, and flour until just mixed. Fold in sour cream gently.
4. Divide batter among liners and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
5. For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter; gradually add powdered sugar and mix in lemon curd until smooth.
6. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake (65g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg