The Ultimate Lemonade Cupcake Recipe: Zesty, Sweet, and Perfectly Summery

Summer just tastes better with a little bit of lemonade, and these cupcakes capture that sunshine in every bite! This recipe combines the tangy zest of lemons with the sweetness of a classic cupcake, creating a delightful treat perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply a refreshing afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions:

Making the Lemonade Cupcakes:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Lemon Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Glaze the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

Tips for the Perfect Lemonade Cupcake:

• Fresh is Best: Using fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of these cupcakes. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
• Get Creative with Decorations: Add a sprinkle of sugar, a lemon wedge, or even candied lemon peel for extra flair.

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