Description
These delightful Lemon Cupcakes combine a moist, tender crumb with a refreshing citrus flavor enhanced by poppy seeds. Topped with a creamy lemon buttercream frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Frosting
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Additional lemon zest and poppy seeds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Stir to evenly distribute the poppy seeds and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure an even batter consistency.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the milk and lemon juice, mixing on low speed until everything is well combined.
- Add Remaining Flour Mixture: Add the rest of the flour mixture and gently mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter in a bowl until light and fluffy to form the base of your frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in 2 cups of the powdered sugar, mixing well to avoid lumps.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly add the milk and lemon juice to the frosting and mix until smooth.
- Finish Frosting: Beat in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the lemon frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then garnish with additional lemon zest and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days; frost just before serving.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon zest to the batter and frosting.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before piping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American