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Lemon Lavender Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

Delightfully fragrant Lemon Lavender Cupcakes combine zesty lemon flavors with delicate lavender frosting for a perfect spring or summer treat. These moist cupcakes feature bright lemon zest and juice in the batter, topped with a creamy, floral lavender buttercream that makes for an elegant and refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Cupcakes:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1–2 lemons)

For the Lavender Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons water or milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons lavender extract
  • Violet gel paste color, optional
  • Lavender flowers for garnish
  • 6–7 lemon slices, cut in half for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners to get ready for baking.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes, which helps create a tender cupcake.
  3. Add sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest: Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest until everything is combined evenly for fresh citrus flavor.
  4. Add egg whites in batches: Incorporate the egg whites in two batches, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Mix liquid ingredients: In a small cup, blend the milk, water, and fresh lemon juice to prepare the wet mixture.
  7. Add half dry ingredients to wet batter: Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet batter and mix thoroughly.
  8. Add milk mixture: Pour in the combined milk, water, and lemon juice mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute flavors and liquids.
  9. Add remaining dry ingredients: Finish by folding in the rest of the dry ingredients and mixing until the batter becomes smooth and uniform.
  10. Fill liners and bake: Spoon the batter into liners, filling each about 3/4 full, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  11. Cool cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  12. Prepare frosting base: Beat together the salted butter and shortening for the frosting until creamy.
  13. Add powdered sugar in stages: Mix in half of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and well combined.
  14. Add extracts and liquid: Stir in the vanilla and lavender extracts along with 2 tablespoons of milk or water, mixing well.
  15. Add remaining powdered sugar: Add the rest of the powdered sugar and adjust consistency by adding more milk or water as needed for piping.
  16. Tint frosting: Optionally, tint the frosting with violet gel paste color to give it a beautiful lavender hue.
  17. Pipe and garnish cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lavender frosting using a piping bag, then decorate each with a sprig of lavender flowers and half a lemon slice for visual appeal and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and incorporation.
  • Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to maintain cupcake tenderness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant lemon flavor.
  • If lavender extract is unavailable, use dried lavender steeped in milk, then strain before adding to frosting.
  • To store, keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Keywords: lemon cupcakes, lavender frosting, floral cupcakes, spring desserts, homemade cupcakes, lemon dessert, lavender buttercream

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/lemon-lavender-cupcakes-recipe/