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Lemon buttercream cupcakes topped with fresh zest, displayed on a marble table.

Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious cupcake; light, with a sour lemon filling, oozing out smoothly and getting perfectly topped with silky buttercream frosting, the taste both sweet and sour.

More than treats, they are well-deserved homemade cupcakes to raise the spirit. Lively citrus notes brighten up your day with every single bite. Rich buttercream enhances the comforting touch.

After many tries of different combinations, I have finally perfected this recipe over some time. A moist, flavorful cupcake that’s deceptively easy to pull off: these are sure to impress the amateur and professional bakers.

Freshly baked lemon cupcakes with creamy buttercream frosting and lemon curd in the background.

The cool thing with the cupcakes is that they can be used for casual get-togethers, parties, or even serious affairs. With this guide, you will be churning these babies out in no time.

Let’s dive into the lemony world of lemon butter cream cupcakes and get baking!

Introduction to Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes

Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes take a fun twist on timeless flavor. They’re a magical balance of lemon’s tang and the sweet fluffiness of creamy buttercream. The citrusy cake complements the smooth richness perfectly within the frosting. These popular summer-baking-style cupcakes have escalated to be right up there in popularity for special occasions.

Moist lemon cupcakes with swirls of buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

The bright yellow color and fresh scent of these cupcakes immediately raise one’s spirits. The well-balanced flavor profile sets it apart from other desserts. The lemon’s tartness goes in a delicious harmony with the sweetness of buttercream. These versatile cupcakes suit every occasion—from birthdays to afternoon teas. Refreshingly flavorful, these are great treats to enjoy when the heat sets in. When it comes to baking during summer, there’s nothing like Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes. They are such crowd-pleasers, adding a glimpse of sunshine to any display of sweets. This great harmony of flavors and textures simply makes it totally irresistible. They give the taste to any kind of party dessert their life.

How to make Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes?

A flat lay of baking ingredients for lemon cupcakes, including flour, sugar, eggs, butter, lemon halves, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest, all arranged in small bowls on a white marble surface.

Mastering the Art of Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Citrus-flavored frosting takes cupcakes to new unparalleled heights. A perfect buttercream recipe needs to have that perfect consistency. I start off by creaming the soft butter until light and airy: this is the most important step for a smooth texture.

Then most importantly, start beating in the powdered sugar little by little. For the lemon flavor, I put in fresh zest and juice. The zest will add that really bright, citrusy punch, but the juice really enhances the overall flavor.

A mixing bowl with creamed butter and sugar, surrounded by halved lemons and a small dish of freshly grated lemon zest on a marble countertop, ready for baking lemon cupcakes.

Be cautious with the liquid to not compromise frosting consistency. Frosting design comes with time and practice. I use a piping bag equipped with many different tips for different designs. Beginners can just make a basic swirl.

Temperature really affects buttercream frosting-if too soft, refrigerate briefly; if too firm, let it come to room temperature. With these tips, you’ll be making beautiful lemon buttercream cupcakes in no time.

Freshly baked lemon cupcakes cooling on a wire rack next to a piping bag filled with lemon buttercream frosting and a small bowl of frosting, with sliced lemons in the background on a bright kitchen counter.

Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes Decorating Ideas

Lemon buttercream treats, show-stoppers with cupcake decorations, can be decked out in edibles with touches of breathtakingly colorful pansies, violets, and marigolds. A different kind of tangy sweet, look at candied lemon slices—slender, translucent wafers of lemons, cooked slowly in syrup.

Sprinkles are another great option to decorate these cupcakes with. Yellow and white jimmies or nonpareils really complement this lemony theme. Then there is the very sophisticated dusting of the tops with edible gold leaf or pearlescent powder.

Lemon buttercream cupcakes arranged on a white plate, accompanied by halved lemons.

Presentation really makes your cupcakes shine. A multitiered stand is a great option with which to display them at a party. For individual servings, place a cupcake in a decorative liner, then into a small glass jar.

This preserves the frosting and is an appealing display. Play with different decorations and ways of serving-your cupcakes are special for your lemon buttercream.

Cupcakes with lemon buttercream frosting, set beside a jar of homemade lemon curd.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes are the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or, for longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving for peak flavor and texture.
To keep fresh, store separately cupcakes and buttercream. Store cupcakes unfrosted, so it allows frosting to soften or melt on the cupcake. Pipe just before serving for picture perfect desserts each and every time.

Serve these tangy cakes with a glass of iced tea or sparkling wine. Lemony tastes go great with light fruity drinks. Make a cupcake bar at a party and top them in numerous ways.

Supply extra lemon zest, candied lemon slices, or edible flowers for guests to decorate their desserts with. It is an interactive way of having fun during dessert presentation.

A batch of lemon cupcakes, frosted with buttercream and garnished with lemon zest curls

Dear Reader

Homemade baking of cupcakes satisfies the soul of a baker and a taster of such beauty. As per the versions checked, Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes will soon become your kitchen sweetheart. From gathering ingredients to perfecting the frosting, each step counts towards baking success. Practice makes perfect, and each batch of cupcakes is simply another chance to get it perfect. Take that as an opportunity to play with flavors and decorate those cupcakes to your very personal style. This guide aims to inspire you into the fun world of homemade cupcakes. These Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes make anybody’s day a little sunnier, be it on an extra special day, or just because. Happy baking and sweet fruits of the culinary creative process to you!

Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes

Recipe by EmmaCourse: Cupcakes
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients


  • For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup whole milk

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract


  • For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for thinning the frosting)

Steps


  • For the Cupcakes:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

  • For the Lemon Buttercream:
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
  • Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until well combined.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the lemon buttercream.

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