These Fluffy Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream are a delightful treat bursting with zesty lemon flavor. The soft and moist cupcakes pair perfectly with the tangy and sweet cream cheese buttercream, creating a heavenly combination. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to brighten your day!
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder. 1/4 tsp baking soda. 1/4 tsp salt. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 2 large eggs. 2 tbsp lemon zest. 2 tbsp lemon juice. 1/2 cup buttermilk. 1 tsp vanilla extract. For Cream Cheese Buttercream:. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 8 oz cream cheese, softened. 4 cups powdered sugar. 1 tsp lemon extract. Yellow food coloring optional. Lemon slices and zest for garnish.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, 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 the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the Cream Cheese Buttercream, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon extract, and beat until well combined and fluffy. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to achieve the desired lemony color. Pipe or spread the cream cheese buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with lemon slices and zest. Serve and enjoy your fluffy lemon cupcakes!