Pucker Up for These Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes!
When life gives you lemons, skip the lemonade and make lemon poppy seed cupcakes instead! These zesty little delights are like sunshine in cupcake form, guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Picture this: a moist, tangy cupcake bursting with poppy seeds, topped with a cloud of lemon buttercream frosting so good, it might just make you pucker up and smile. If you’re ready to zest up your baking game, grab your apron and let’s get to squeezing some serious citrus magic. Warning: these cupcakes may cause spontaneous bursts of happiness!
Why these cupcakes are great:
- Super easy, homemade cupcake recipe.
- Great for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, bake sales, and parties!
- The homemade lemon buttercream adds extra sweetness – taking these cupcakes to the next level.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 15-18 minutes
Servings: 24 standard cupcakes
Ingredients
For the cupcakes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- ¼ cup lemon juice
For the frosting
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp milk
Lemon wedges, to decorate
Additional poppy seeds, to decorate
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two standard muffin tins with cupcake liners, set aside.
In a food processor, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Pulse for about a minute or until the sugar is a pale yellow color.
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, lemon extract and milk. Whisk to combine.
In another medium bowl, combine the flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry. Mix well.
Add in the poppy seeds and lemon juice. Mix just until combined.
Use an ice cream scoop or similar to divide the batter between the cupcake liners until about half full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the center is set and spongy to the touch. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, about half of the powdered sugar, lemon juice and the vanilla. Mix on low just until combined.
Add the remaining powdered sugar and the milk. Mix on low until combined and then bump up the speed to medium and whip for an additional minute or two, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Scrape the sides as needed.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe a large mound on top of each cupcake. Sprinkle with additional poppy seeds and a lemon wedge, if desired.
Storage: Lemon poppy seed cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice can be a convenient substitute, fresh lemons provide a more vibrant and authentic flavor. We highly recommend using fresh lemons to get that perfect zesty kick!
How do I prevent my cupcakes from being too dense?
To ensure light and fluffy cupcakes, make sure not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, and don’t forget to properly measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Can I make the lemon buttercream frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon buttercream frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before frosting your cupcakes. Give it a quick whip to restore its creamy texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of frosting with these cupcakes?
Of course! While the lemon buttercream frosting perfectly complements the lemon poppy seed cupcakes, feel free to experiment with other frostings like vanilla, cream cheese, or even a light glaze. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your cupcakes!
