Lemon Cupcakes
Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Allison Lancaster
Refreshing and light, we’re just found your next obsession… Once you taste these Southern lemon cupcakes with lemon whipped cream frosting, you’ll be hooked!
These lemon cupcakes are everything you love about lemon desserts: fresh, tart, and sweet.
With a fluffy cloud of lemon whipped cream frosting on top, they’re the perfect treat for picnics, potlucks, or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
And the best part? They’re so easy to make, that you can whip up a batch in no time so they’re easy to keep on hand or make as your summer playdate recipe.
Easy Lemon Desserts
Normally I’m not a huge fan of lemon desserts, but lately, I have started loving the tangy lemon flavor.
We don’t make dessert at our house often and when we do it’s usually for a special occasion.
However, these lemon cupcakes are the exception–they are easy to make and light enough that you don’t feel like you’re too full and miserable after indulging in a little dessert after dinner.
Trust me, if you’re not normally a lemon recipe person, these are about to be one of your favorite cupcake recipes.
Homemade Lemon Cupcakes
Baking is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together and these lemon cupcakes are a perfect recipe to get the kids involved in.
Let them help mix up the cupcake batter, then let them go to town decorating the cupcakes with the creamy lemon frosting.
They’ll also be able to place the slightly cooled cupcakes onto the wire rack to cool them completely.
Let the kids get creative and pick out cute cupcake liners for their perfect lemon cupcakes. Sprinkles? No problem with your little chefs.
They’ll love helping and will enjoy these fluffy lemon cupcakes, even more, when they know they helped make them.
The Best Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting
This is my go-to recipe for frosting. It’s so good that I really don’t think it needs any improvement.
But if you want to experiment, feel free to add in some your favorite flavors or colors for fun.
Just be warned, once you’ve had this frosting you’ll be hooked.
For best results, make sure the whipping cream is cold and to whip it until it’s stiff to really make the lemon whipped cream frosting shine.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use an electric hand mixer or even a whisk. Just be prepared for a little arm workout.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice will give this lemon cupcake recipe an extra tart and tangy flavor.
If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice to get the citrus flavor.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, these moist lemon cupcakes can be made up to two days in advance. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Do I have to use cupcake liners?
No, you don’t have to use paper liners if you don’t want to. However, I find that they help the cupcakes hold their shape and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Should I use cold eggs for this recipe?
It’s best to use room-temperature eggs for this recipe because they will whip up better. If you don’t have time to let the eggs come to room temperature, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes before using.
What is the best way to measure flour?
For best results, weigh the flour on a food scale. If you don’t have a food scale, you can use the spoon and level method to make sure you don’t add too much flour.
Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup, then use the back of a knife or offset spatula to level it off.
Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Lemon cupcake recipes are perfect for summertime picnics and potlucks! These light and refreshing cupcakes are the perfect balance of tangy flavor and sweet lemon cream cheese frosting.
You can dress this lemon cupcakes recipe up if you want to for a birthday party with some cute pink and yellow sprinkles, or simply add a quartered lemon slice to the top for a fun summer dessert.
They make a delicious treat for a pool party or your best seller at your kids’ lemonade stand. Entrepreneurial skills have never tasted so delicious!
So what are you waiting for? Get a cupcake pan of the best lemon cupcakes in the oven and enjoy!
How to make Lemon Cupcakes
Lemon Cupcakes
Refreshing and light, we’re just found your next obsession… Once you taste these Southern lemon cupcakes with lemon whipped cream frosting, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients :
- 1 stick 1/2 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 C sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 C flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 C whole milk
- zest + fresh juice of two 2 large lemons
Lemon Frosting :
- 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter softened
- 2 1/2 C powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 zest and juice from 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp pure lemon extract
- 3-5 TBSP heavy whipping cream
- 1 Disposable piping bag fitted with a medium star tip
- 2 lemons sliced into quarters
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
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Using stand mixer beat the butter and sugar together until creamed.
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Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until everything is combined
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In a medium bowl, combine together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients Continue to beat until combined, batter will be thick.
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Beat in the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice on low speed until just combined.
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Spoon batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
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Bake for about 21 minute or until a toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean when done.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
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Frosting Directions:
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Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter, powder sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, lemon extract and heavy whipping cream
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Mix on medium speed until combined, creamy and stiff
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Scoop the frosting into the piping bag and pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes
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Top with lemon slices
