Ingredients
The Base
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk (I used 1% milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
The Filling
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
The Blueberry Buttercream
- 5½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Splash of milk (only needed if buttercream consistency is too dry)
Instructions on the next page 👇👇
Directions
Directions for Cupcakes
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a cupcake tin with liners to have a lovely and convenient shape for your cupcakes.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This will ensure even distribution of the baking powder, which is essential for that tremendous rise.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Your batter will be smooth and creamy—this is the foundation for your delightful cupcakes!
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Incorporate the lemon zest into the butter-sugar mixture. The aroma will be tremendous and inviting!
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Slowly, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk into the main mixing bowl, starting and ending with the flour. Add in the vanilla extract and 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a deliciously zesty batter.
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Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking apart.
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Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This will allow enough room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully.
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Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be tremendous.
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Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Directions for Buttercream
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In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until it is creamy and smooth.
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Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the buttercream appears too dry, add a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
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Stir in the vanilla extract, and continue to mix until your buttercream is light, fluffy, and a beautiful deep shade of blue from the blueberries.
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Optional: If you want a bolder blueberry flavor, you can gently fold in some smashed blueberries, but remember it may affect the texture of the buttercream.
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Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to elegantly apply the blueberry buttercream atop each cupcake.
Continue reading on the next page 👇👇
Pro Tips for Success
The Base
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature creates a smoother batter. This is crucial for aeration, leading to a tender cupcake.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and baking powder together aerates them, which will help create a lighter cupcake that rises well and has a soft crumb.
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Do Not Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough cupcakes.
Storage and Freshness
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Store in an Airtight Container: Once cooled, store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
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Refrigerate Buttercream: If you have leftover buttercream, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature before using it again.
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Freeze for Later: Cupcakes can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and decorate as desired when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Indulging in Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Buttercream is not just about savoring a dessert; it’s about embracing the warmth of memories, the sweetness of love, and the tremendous joy that comes from sharing delicious moments with family and friends. After all, every bite carries the whispers of summer and the laughter of special occasions. So, as you embark on this delightful baking adventure, what cherished memories will you create with these beautiful cupcakes?