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How to Make Delicious Lemon Cupcakes

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Ingredients
 

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk with a teaspoon of vinegar

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Flavorings:

  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Combine with Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:

  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Bake:

  • Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

  • Beat the butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt, and beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if necessary.

Decorate the Cupcakes:

  • Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the lemon buttercream using a piping bag or a knife.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Optionally, garnish with a small piece of lemon zest, a thin slice of lemon, or edible flowers.
  • Serve and enjoy the burst of lemon flavor!