Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter, softened: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Large Eggs: 2
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
- Fresh Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Raspberry Jam or Puree: 1/4 cup
- Powdered Sugar, sifted: 3 cups (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Gradually alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Drop 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam or puree onto the center of the batter in each cup, and gently swirl the jam into the batter using a toothpick. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Transfer the baked cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating 1 cup of softened butter until pale, then gradually adding the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Step 6: Once the cupcakes are fully cool, pipe or spread a generous layer of the lemon buttercream onto each cupcake. Garnish with a fresh raspberry or extra lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Store finished cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature; if refrigerated, let them stand for 30 minutes before enjoying for optimal cake softness.
- Do not attempt to reheat these delicate cupcakes; they are meant to be served at room temperature and warming them will melt the buttercream and dry out the cake.
- Pair these bright, citrusy cupcakes with a cold glass of homemade iced tea or a light sparkling lemonade to amplify the fresh lemon flavor.
- To create a vibrant marbling effect, only use a quick figure-eight or two when swirling the jam in Step 4, being careful not to over-swirl the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American