Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes - A flavor of Spring and Summer
When it gets close to summertime I start getting antsy for lemon. That's why I created these Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes with candied lemons. This cupcake is so refreshing it's like taking a bite out of Spring or Summer.
I'm a big fan of not only lemon but also vanilla. Vanilla is a traditional flavor found in desserts and I found adding lemon to my vanilla cupcake recipe complimented the lemon nicely.
Finding a garnish that was tasty and cute was an easy task with these Candied Lemon Slices. Candied fruit slices are always a delicious treat and they make the perfect topper for cupcakes! Hint:
The trick is to let the slices completely cool before adding them to your cupcakes or they'll slump and fall over.
These Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes are tasty and are perfect for summer parties. They not only taste great but they add a bright color to a summer spread.
Everyone loves the candied lemon addition and it presents something other than the traditional fruit topping. Using sugar takes away the bitterness of the lemon so when you're biting into the peel it's a pleasant taste instead of a sour one.
Making the Cupcakes Pretty
I used the Wilton 1M tip to frost these cupcakes and I found this tip works well when frosting buttercream that has an additive to it such as lemon zest.
The opening of the tip allows the buttercream with the zest to squeeze through the tip without getting stuck. As always, the presentation is always beautiful with this tip.
If you like this recipe and want to check out my others, click here: Recipes
📖 Recipe
Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
Lemon Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter - softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice - freshly squeezed
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- ½ stick butter - unsalted
- ½ cup shortening
- 2-3 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbps heavy cream - Or milk as substitute
Candied Lemon Slices
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoon lemon - freshly squeezed
Instructions
Lemon Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Combine eggs, butter, vanilla extract, milk, and lemon juice in large bowl.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder in small bowl.
- Slowly add into wet mixture until well blended.
- Add in sour cream and mix well.
- Bake for 16 to 19 minutes. Until toothpick comes out clean.
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- Combine SOFTENED butter and shortening, blend well.
- Add in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Slowly add in 4 cups powdered sugar and the 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Mix well.
Candied Lemon Slices
- Thinly slice lemons into 18 slices.
- Bring water, sugar, and lemon juice to a simmer on stove.
- Place lemon slices in skillet, flip ocassionally, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Place lemon slices on wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with sugar.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
Danielle says
These look so amazingly tasty! I love lemon in baked goods!
Natalie says
I love lemon and vanilla together! These cupcakes look so delicious and perfect for the summer!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
These really scream summer to me, such delicious flavours. They look super tasty.
Felesha says
I’ll take two please!!! Love lemon desserts!!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
These are so pretty! The perfect summer dessert!