Zesty Lemonade Cupcakes with Creamy Buttercream Frosting

Lip Smacking Lemonade Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, tangy treat with a hint of citrus, then these Lip Smacking Lemonade Cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser! These cupcakes combine the tanginess of lemon with the richness of a soft, fluffy texture that will make every bite burst with flavor. Topped with a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting and garnished with a touch of fresh lemon zest, they are perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or any special occasion. Here’s the detailed recipe to make these irresistible cupcakes.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour (Maida)	1 1/2 cups
Sugar	3/4 cup
Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)	1 cup
Butter (unsalted)	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Lemon juice	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 1/4 teaspoons
Baking soda	1/2 teaspoon
Butter (unsalted), softened	1 cup
Icing sugar	3/4 cup
Lemon zest	A pinch

Preparation Time: 31 Minutes

Cooking Time: 20 Minutes

Total Time: 51 Minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Continental

Course: Dessert

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature to bake your cupcakes evenly.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients for the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and curd (yogurt). Stir well until the sugar dissolves partially, creating a smooth mixture. Add butter and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.

3. Add the Lemon Juice

Once the batter is smooth, add the lemon juice and mix again to incorporate the fresh citrus flavor throughout.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure there are no lumps and to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

5. Form the Cupcake Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter comes together. The consistency should be thick yet smooth.

6. Fill the Cupcake Tins

Scoop the batter into a cupcake tin lined with cupcake liners, filling each one about 2/3 full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise during baking.

7. Bake the Cupcakes

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking.

8. Prepare the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar in small portions, mixing well after each addition. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add a pinch of lemon zest for a fragrant, citrusy aroma. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

9. Chill the Buttercream

Refrigerate the frosting for about 30 minutes to firm it up slightly, making it easier to pipe onto the cupcakes.

10. Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag to pipe the chilled buttercream frosting onto the tops of each cupcake. You can also use a knife or spatula to spread the frosting if you prefer a rustic look.

11. Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, garnish the frosted cupcakes with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. This adds a burst of color and enhances the lemon flavor.

Tips for the Best Lemonade Cupcakes:

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the frosting or batter.
If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can grease the cupcake tin directly.
For a more indulgent treat, add lemon curd in the center of the cupcakes before baking.

These Lip Smacking Lemonade Cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, perfect for an afternoon treat or a celebratory event. Try pairing them with other delectable snacks such as Pav Bhaji or Chole Aloo Tikki Chaat for a fun and flavorful meal!