Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with a teaspoon of vinegar)
For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups, 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 from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt, and beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if necessary.
- Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the lemon buttercream using a piping bag or a knife.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish with a small piece of lemon zest, a thin slice of lemon, or edible flowers.
- Serve and enjoy the burst of lemon flavor!