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Bright Lemon Cupcakes with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a delicious lemon cupcake with a bite taken out, showing the moist crumb and thick white frosting.
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Make moist lemon cupcakes with a bright, citrusy flavor, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a celebration like graduation.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
  • Yellow food coloring (optional, for aesthetic)

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, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and yellow food coloring if you are using it for color.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Fill the cupcake liners 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 cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Beat until light and fluffy. Add a drop of yellow food coloring if desired for a strong lemon yellow aesthetic.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon or extra zest.

Notes

  • For the brightest lemon flavor, use fresh lemons for both juice and zest.
  • To achieve a strong lemon yellow aesthetic for your graduation party dessert ideas, use gel food coloring sparingly in both the batter and the frosting.
  • This recipe makes moist lemon cupcakes that hold up well at room temperature for serving at a citrus themed party food event.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://onedishuniverse.com/lemon-cupcakes-bright-citrusy-dessert/