Combining the bright citrusy flavor of lemon with the sweet and juicy taste of blueberries, these cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s perfect for spring and summer. The tangy lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist, while the burst of fresh blueberries adds a pop of color and sweetness. Bespoke cake designer in West London, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible lemon blueberry cupcakes from scratch, ensuring that every bite is bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Additional fresh blueberries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until well combined.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Optional: Garnish each cupcake with a fresh blueberry and a slice of lemon for a decorative touch.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners, or lightly grease each cup if you prefer. This step ensures your cupcakes come out easily without sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and sweetness throughout your cupcakes.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The key here is to incorporate air into the butter and sugar, which helps create a light, tender crumb in your cupcakes.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs fully and ensures a smooth batter. Next, mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will infuse your cupcakes with a vibrant lemony flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes, so mix until there are no large pockets of flour remaining.
Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them up too much. If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the texture of your batter.
Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Cool and Prepare the Lemon Glaze
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed.
Glaze the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over each one. The glaze will add a lovely shine and a burst of additional lemon flavor. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix together smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes. Mix the batter until just combined for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the sweet burst of blueberries. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Enjoy the freshness and flavor in every bite of these scrumptious cupcakes!
Conclusion:
With their bright and fresh flavor, these lemon blueberry cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re enjoying them at a spring picnic, summer barbecue, or afternoon tea party, their irresistible combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries is sure to delight your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious cupcakes that are bursting with flavor in every bite!
