Zesty Delight: Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

These Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a moist and tender crumb and a luscious frosting that will leave you craving more. The bright citrus flavor of lemon pairs beautifully with the richness of cream cheese, creating a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.

## Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

* **Zesty Flavor:** The combination of lemon zest and juice infuses these cupcakes with a vibrant and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any time of year.
* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** The cream cheese in the batter helps create a moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Luscious Frosting:** The cream cheese frosting is tangy, creamy, and perfectly complements the lemon cupcakes.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These cupcakes are beautiful and elegant, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

### For the Cupcakes:

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup sour cream
* ¼ cup milk
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons lemon zest

### For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon lemon zest

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 12-cup muffin tin
* Cupcake liners
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Zester
* Juicer
* Piping bag and tip (optional, for frosting)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes:

### Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will prevent the cupcakes from sticking and make them easier to remove.

### Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

### Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender crumb.

### Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The eggs provide structure and richness to the cupcakes, while the vanilla extract enhances the flavor.

### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the flour mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cupcakes dense and chewy.

### Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Using a cookie scoop or measuring cup can help ensure that each cupcake is filled evenly.

### Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cupcakes. Overbaking can result in dry cupcakes.

### Step 8: Cool the Cupcakes

Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them, as the frosting will melt if applied to warm cupcakes.

### Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are both at room temperature, as this will help to prevent lumps in the frosting.

### Step 10: Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings

Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out. If the frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

### Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife or spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cupcakes, or you can use a piping bag and tip to create a more decorative design. To use a piping bag, fill the bag with frosting and then pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards.

### Step 12: Garnish (Optional)

Garnish the cupcakes with lemon zest, lemon slices, or sprinkles, if desired. This will add a touch of visual appeal to the cupcakes.

## Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them to incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cupcakes. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest:** Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor for these cupcakes. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can have a bitter taste.
* **Cool the Cupcakes Completely:** Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
* **Add a Lemon Curd Filling:** For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add a small spoonful of lemon curd to the center of each cupcake before frosting.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

## Variations

* **Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes:** Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
* **Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes:** Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter for a tangy and sweet twist.
* **Poppy Seed Lemon Cupcakes:** Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a subtle nutty flavor and texture.
* **Lemon Lavender Cupcakes:** Add 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds to the batter for a floral and aromatic twist.
* **Vegan Lemon Cupcakes:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, the sour cream with vegan sour cream, and the milk with almond milk to make these cupcakes vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Fresh Berries:** Serve the cupcakes with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
* **Lemon Curd:** Drizzle the cupcakes with lemon curd for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top the cupcakes with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
* **Ice Cream:** Serve the cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the cupcakes with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350
* Fat: 20g
* Saturated Fat: 12g
* Cholesterol: 70mg
* Sodium: 200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40g
* Sugar: 25g
* Protein: 3g

*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their zesty flavor, moist and tender crumb, and luscious frosting, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cupcakes!

Enjoy baking and happy eating!