Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist and delightful, Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any gathering. Their bright flavor and fluffy texture make them a favorite for spring and summer occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes will impress everyone. The refreshing lemon cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of zing that complements the cupcakes beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest, these cupcakes offer a vibrant taste that is sure to please.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious dessert.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, picnics, or as a sweet ending to any meal—these cupcakes fit every occasion.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of sour cream ensures that each cupcake is soft and moist every time you bake.
• Customizable Frosting: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add more lemon curd for an extra zesty kick in the frosting.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth sailing while you bake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Cupcake pan
• Paper liners
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large bowl: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, leading to fluffier cupcakes.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the batter evenly into cupcake liners for consistent baking.
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling your cupcakes completely before frosting them.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract (optional)
• 2 Tb lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 1/3 C sour cream

For the Frosting

• 3 Tb unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 C cream cheese (softened)
• 3 C powdered sugar
• 3 Tb lemon curd (room temperature)

How to Make Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with 8 paper liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. If using, add lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix in salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour until just combined.
5. Finally, fold in sour cream until no streaks remain.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among prepared cupcake liners using a large cookie scoop.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Allow them to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Once cooled:
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in lemon curd until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Frost Your Cupcakes

Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a jumbo round tip. Frost each cupcake generously and decorate as desired.

Step 6: Store Your Treats

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or refrigerate if preferred.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering!

How to Serve Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can brighten up any gathering. Here are some fun and tasty ways to serve them.

Individual Cupcake Platters

• Arrange the cupcakes on decorative platters for an inviting presentation at parties.
• Use colorful liners that complement the lemon theme for added charm.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant contrast.
• The tartness of berries enhances the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Lemonade Stand Theme

• Create a lemonade stand setup where guests can enjoy cupcakes alongside refreshing lemonade.
• Offer different flavors of lemonade to pair with the citrus notes in the cupcakes.

Afternoon Tea Setting

• Include these cupcakes as part of an afternoon tea spread, paired with herbal or chamomile teas.
• Their bright flavor complements lighter savory snacks, such as cucumber sandwiches.

Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar featuring various toppings like sprinkles, candied lemon peel, or grated coconut.
• Guests can customize their cupcakes, making each treat unique and special.

How to Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect lemon cupcakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your baking turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cupcakes caused by excess flour.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients; this keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting and ensure neat decoration.
• Taste test: Always taste your frosting before decorating; adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more lemon juice or sugar as needed.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature or chilled if you have added frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

These lemon cupcakes pair beautifully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy touch and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese complements the tartness of lemon desserts nicely.
3. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches provide a delightful contrast to the sweet cupcakes; consider spinach or mushroom fillings.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing cucumber sandwiches offer a crisp bite that pairs well with rich desserts.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette ties in beautifully with the citrus theme of your dessert.
6. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables served with a light dip provide a crunchy contrast that is perfect for snacking between sweet bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Incorrect measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dry or dense cupcakes. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not cooling properly: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt. Ensure your cupcakes are completely cooled before decorating.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Allow ingredients to come to room temperature for better results.
• Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a vibrant flavor that enhances your cupcakes. Don’t skip this step for maximum citrus goodness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the frosting separate if possible, as it may soften over time.

Freezing Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cupcakes on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! You can substitute lemon juice and zest with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free lemon cupcakes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend while keeping the other ingredients unchanged.

What is the best way to store leftover frosting?

Store leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I make mini lemon cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time down to about 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes.

How do I know when my cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, your cupcakes are ready!

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding berries or using alternative frostings. Enjoy baking these refreshing treats!