Lemon Cupcakes: Recipe + 17 Step-by-Step Photos

These stunning lemon cupcakes will delight both adults and children. The airy batter has a pleasant, refreshing aroma and flavor, which, combined with the rich curd and delicate buttercream, creates a true masterpiece. The reaction between kefir and citrus juice creates a very firm and fluffy texture. This lemon curd cupcake is perfect for summer tea. It's refreshing, invigorating, satisfying, and will set the mood for the whole day!

Nutritional value per serving

393.5 kcal

Proteins: 5.8 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 58.9 g

*Nutritional value is calculated per 100g of ingredients

Total time: 40 min
Complexity:

It's easy and straightforward to prepare, but it does require some experience. Not everyone can do it right the first time.
Number of servings: 12

Recipe with step-by-step photos

Lemon cupcakes

Ingredients

Servings

For cupcakes

Egg C1

2 pcs
Flour

200 G
Sugar

200 G
Kefir

150 G
Butter

110 G
Baking powder

1.5 tsp
Lemon zest

1 pcs

For lemon curd

Egg C1

1 pcs
Sugar

60 G
Butter

50 G
Cornstarch

0.5 tsp
Lemon juice

1 pcs

For the cream

Cream

500 ml
Cottage cheese

140 G
Powdered sugar

80 G

Preparation

Step 1

Squeeze the juice of one medium lemon and grate the zest. Dissolve the cornstarch in the lemon juice.

Step 2

In a saucepan, combine room-temperature chicken eggs, sugar, and starch mixture. Stir.

Step 3

Place the mixture over medium heat and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from the stove.

Step 4

Add soft butter.

Step 5

Stir the mixture until the butter is completely dissolved. Rub the curd through a sieve. Let cool.

Step 6

Beat soft butter and sugar until fluffy.

Step 7

Add chicken eggs in parts, whisking the mixture after each addition of eggs.

Step 8

Pour in the kefir and add the lemon zest. If the kefir is less than 30% fat, reduce the amount by 30–40 grams. Stir.

Step 9

In a separate container, combine flour and baking powder.

Step 10

Mix. Sift them into the egg-cream mixture. Knead into a smooth, thick dough.

Step 11

Spoon the batter into the baking pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.

Step 12

Prepare the cream. Whip the heavy cream until light and fluffy.

Step 13

Add pre-sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Beat the mixture for 2–3 minutes at medium speed.

Step 14

Add cottage cheese or cream cheese and beat until thick white cream forms.

Step 15

Cut out the cupcake centers and fill them with lemon curd.

Step 16

Using a pastry bag, form the frosting into caps. Decorate the cupcakes with additional decorations, if desired.

Step 17

Lemon cupcakes are ready. Enjoy!

How to replace lemon in cupcakes

Not everyone will appreciate it lemon cupcake filling, as this citrus fruit has a distinctly sour aftertaste. These baked goods are refreshing and invigorating, but some may find the flavor too intense.

Lemon curd isn't the only citrus filling option. To preserve the pleasant freshness of baked goods while eliminating the tart aftertaste, swap out lemon for orange. The flavor and aroma of orange is sweeter and more subtle.

Mandarin orange is a great option for festive New Year's cupcakes.

Grapefruit can be too sweet, so it's best complemented with other berries or fruits. For example, add a few blueberries or bilberries as a filling or garnish to the cream.

Lime tastes a lot like lemon, but it has a more menthol aroma and flavor. It's perfect for chocolate cupcakes.

How to decorate lemon cupcakes

Lemon cupcakes have quite a strong flavor, so it needs to be balanced when decorating the cakes.

For example, a delicate and unobtrusive creamy or sweet custard is best for the topping. However, a cream cheese filling can have a slightly tart flavor.

When it comes to fruits, it’s best to choose neutral or sweet ones: bananas, apricots, peaches, pears.

Chocolate ganache, sweet caramel or regular honey can be used as additional elements for the cake.

Cut the fruit into wedges, quarters, or thin slices and arrange them on top of the cream. Drizzle with a little sauce. It'll be not only delicious, but also beautiful!

Similar recipes