Name: Lemon Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Lemon Cupcakes:; 1¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup butter, room temperature; ¾ cup sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ¼ cup whole milk; 1½ tablespoons lemon zest; ⅓ cup lemon juice; Lemon Buttercream:; ¾ cup unsalted butter; 3½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream; Optional Garnish:; Lemon slices; Edible flowers (e.g., pansies)

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These delightful Lemon Cupcakes are a burst of sunshine in dessert form! Fluffy and moist lemon-infused cupcakes are topped with a creamy, tangy lemon buttercream that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Whether for birthdays, spring celebrations, or a simple afternoon treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their bright flavor and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon lovers rejoice—this cupcake recipe is all about delivering bold citrus flavor in every bite. The cupcakes are ultra-tender thanks to a blend of butter, milk, and lemon juice, while the buttercream frosting adds a luscious finish with its light, airy texture and zesty tang. Easy to make and elegant enough for special occasions, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Lemon Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lemon Cupcakes:

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter, at room temperature
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup whole milk
1½ tablespoons lemon zest
⅓ cup lemon juice

For the Lemon Buttercream:

¾ cup unsalted butter
3½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

Lemon slices
Edible flowers (e.g., pansies)

Directions

Make the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on low speed for 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly drizzle in the sugar while mixing on low. Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low, add eggs one at a time, beating for 20 seconds after each addition. Then beat for 2 more minutes on medium until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain—do not overmix.
Add milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix on low just until combined.
Divide batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter for 2 minutes until creamy.
With mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar in four additions, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add lemon juice and milk, then increase to high speed and beat for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (like Wilton 1M) and pipe swirls onto cooled cupcakes.
Garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cupcakes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 21 minutes
Total Time: 41 minutes

Variations

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes: Fold in fresh raspberries to the batter before baking.
Lemon Curd Filling: Hollow out the center of each cupcake and fill with lemon curd before frosting.
Glazed Topping: Add a lemon glaze drizzle over the buttercream for an extra punch of citrus.
Lavender Lemon: Add a touch of culinary lavender to the batter for a floral twist.
Coconut Lemon: Mix shredded coconut into the frosting or sprinkle on top for texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap each unfrosted cupcake in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost before serving.

Reheating: These cupcakes are best served at room temperature. Let refrigerated cupcakes sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

How do I keep the cupcakes from being too dense?

Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour—mix just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane grater for fine zest without the bitter white pith.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in two muffin pans or in batches.

Can I turn this into a cake?

Yes! This recipe can be baked in a small 8-inch round cake pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I make the buttercream less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or a bit more lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

Can I use low-fat milk?

Whole milk is preferred for richness, but low-fat milk can be used with slightly less creamy results.

Are edible flowers safe to eat?

Only use flowers labeled as edible and grown without pesticides. Pansies, violas, and nasturtiums are great options.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream also pair well with lemon cupcakes.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cupcakes are everything a citrus dessert should be—moist, fluffy, sweet, and tangy. Topped with a light and creamy lemon buttercream, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just in the mood for something bright and refreshing, this recipe will deliver stunning results every time.