Name: Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ cup lemon juice; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 cups sifted powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you’re looking for a bright and cheerful treat that perfectly balances tangy and sweet, you’ve come to the right place! This Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is my absolute go-to whenever I want a burst of fresh lemon flavor wrapped in a soft, tender cupcake. Made completely from scratch with real lemon juice and zest, these little gems are irresistibly moist, fluffy, and topped with smooth, creamy frosting that complements the citrus notes beautifully. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon snack or a party showstopper, these cupcakes never fail to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl full of yellow butter chunks, followed by a small clear measuring cup filled with white milk to the right. Below the butter, there are two whole white eggs placed side by side. To the right of the eggs is a small white bowl holding yellow lemon zest. Next to that, there is a medium white bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Below the eggs, there are two small white dishes, one containing white baking powder and the other white baking soda. To the right of these is a larger white bowl filled with white flour. At the bottom right of the image, there are two small white pitchers, one with yellow liquid (possibly melted butter or oil) and the other with a dark amber liquid (likely vanilla extract). The surface and the bowls have a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for nailing the perfect texture and vibrant flavor in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the zing of lemon zest brightening the batter to the rich cream cheese in the frosting that adds the perfect creamy tang.

Cake flour: Gives the cupcakes a delicate crumb and tender bite compared to all-purpose flour.
Baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully, creating a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the lemony notes.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cupcakes and the frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a fine crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability in your cupcakes for that perfect lift.
Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender with a lovely richness.
Vanilla extract: Offers warmth and depth that complements the lemon flavor.
Lemon zest: Packs a punch of fresh citrus aroma in every bite.
Lemon juice: Delivers natural tartness and brightens the flavor throughout.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient in the frosting giving it creamy tang and smooth texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading and piping.

How to Make Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your cupcake pan with liners so they’re ready to go. Then, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed for perfect cupcakes every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes until it’s pale and fluffy. This step is key for a light texture, as it incorporates air into the batter.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This gradual approach keeps your batter smooth and well blended without curdling or separating.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Liquids Alternately

Blend in half of the dry flour mixture along with half of the milk, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and milk. Mixing in stages helps the batter come together smoothly without overworking the gluten, keeping cupcakes tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the liners until about two-thirds full. Bake for approximately 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until silky and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing until it reaches a creamy consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes

Using a piping bag or a simple knife, spread the frosting on your cooled cupcakes. Feel free to use your favorite frosting tip for a decorative look. Add a small lemon slice or zest on top for extra flair if you like.

How to Serve Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a silver metal muffin tray with twelve yellow cupcakes inside. Each cupcake is smooth on top with a light golden color and slightly browned edges around a dark brown paper liner. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the cupcakes look soft and evenly baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Lemon slices or curls of lemon zest make charming garnishes that add a fresh aroma and an inviting look to your cupcakes. You can also sprinkle a little edible glitter or colored sugar for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a light, refreshing side such as fresh berries, a scoop of sorbet, or a crisp green salad. The citrus notes in the cupcakes complement fruity and herbal flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cupcakes on a tiered stand for an elegant presentation at your next gathering. You can even add edible flowers or small mint leaves alongside for an eye-catching display that invites guests to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator once frosted. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to two days, perfect for enjoying over a couple of days without losing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Thaw fully before frosting. Frosted cupcakes freeze less well due to the cream cheese frosting, which may separate upon thawing.

Reheating

Before serving, bring your cupcakes to room temperature for the best texture, especially if refrigerated. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes as this can melt the cream cheese frosting and alter the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 3 tablespoons from the total measurement and replacing it with cornstarch, then sifting together. This mimics cake flour’s lightness for tender cupcakes.

How do I make sure my cupcakes come out moist?

The key is not to overmix the batter once the flour is added and measuring ingredients accurately. The lemon juice and milk also add moisture and tenderness, so following the recipe is important.

Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Absolutely! A few drops of yellow food coloring will enhance the lemony look of the frosting, making your cupcakes even more visually appealing.

Is cream cheese frosting better refrigerated?

Yes, because cream cheese has dairy, it should be stored in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Take them out ahead of time to soften before serving.

How long does it take to make the Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

From start to finish, including baking and cooling, it takes about 55 minutes. The prep time is around 35 minutes, with a 20-minute baking time.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the homemade joy of a Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that combines bright, fresh flavors with buttery softness and dreamy frosting. It’s a recipe that feels special but is so approachable you’ll want to make it again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to these irresistible little lemony delights—you won’t regret it!