These Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes bring the refreshing flavors of summer to your table, no matter the season. The combination of zesty lemon cupcakes topped with a sweet strawberry buttercream is simply irresistible. Whether you’re dreaming of warm, sunny days or looking for a bright and cheerful treat, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
A Burst of Summer in Every Bite
While rich and comforting flavors like pumpkin spice and mint have their place, there’s something uniquely satisfying about the bright citrusy tang of lemon. These cupcakes are infused with lemon flavor before and after baking, making them a truly lemony treat. Fresh lemon juice is mixed into the batter, and once the cupcakes are baked, they are brushed with additional lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Strawberry Buttercream
Fresh strawberries can be expensive, so I opted for strawberry jam to create a delicious strawberry buttercream. Using jam not only adds the desired strawberry flavor but also simplifies the process. The result is a smooth and creamy frosting that perfectly complements the lemony cupcakes. Plus, the jam gives the buttercream a natural sweetness, making it a great option for those who love strawberries but want to save on fresh fruit.
Ingredients
Lemon Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ cup (1 stick or 115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 g) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Strawberry Buttercream:
- ½ cup (1 stick or 115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 3 cups (380 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Lemon Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake tins with paper liners. This recipe makes about 15 cupcakes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just blended after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and milk. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is just combined.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the lemon zest with a spatula.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are just dry to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are still warm, use a pastry brush to brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the tops.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Strawberry Buttercream:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam. Whisk on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time. If the mixer begins to struggle, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once all the sugar and milk have been added, increase the mixer speed to high and whisk the buttercream for an additional 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Transfer the strawberry buttercream to a pastry bag fitted with a large open tip, or simply use the open end of the bag if you prefer.
- Pipe generous dollops of buttercream onto each cooled cupcake.
- Optional: Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with gold Star Dust for a touch of sparkle.
Enjoy your Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes, a delightful treat that combines the tang of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries for a taste of summer in every bite!
