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Homemade Lemon Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

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These lemon cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor from fresh lemons. Paired with a creamy vanilla frosting, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Key ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest, providing a balanced sweetness and tang. This recipe is simple to follow and ensures moist, tender cupcakes with a smooth frosting that complements the bright lemon flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For Lemon Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For Vanilla Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by sour cream, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool.
  6. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Frost cooled cupcakes.

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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