Experience the burst of fresh lemon flavor with these Refreshing Lemon Cupcakes, topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes combine the zesty freshness of lemon juice and zest with the sweetness of the cake and frosting, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. The addition of fresh berries as garnish not only adds to the visual appeal but also introduces a delightful fruity contrast.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Fresh Lemon Flavor: Bright and zesty, perfect for lemon lovers.
- Smooth and Creamy Frosting: A delicious blend of cream cheese or quark and whipped cream.
- Elegant Presentation: Decorated with fresh berries, these cupcakes are a feast for the eyes.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for picnics, parties, or as a delightful end to any meal.
Perfect Occasion: These lemon cupcakes are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, bridal or baby showers, and afternoon tea parties. They’re also wonderful as a cheerful treat to brighten up colder days.
Decoration Tips:
- Berry Toppings: Garnish with fresh blackberries, lemon slices, and red currants for a colorful and elegant finish.
- Lemon Zest: Add extra lemon zest on top of the frosting for a more intense lemon flavor.
- Edible Flowers: Decorate with edible flowers for a sophisticated touch.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a sweet, snowy effect.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 eggs
- 80 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 75 ml oil
- 75 ml sparkling water
- Juice of half a lemon
- Zest of one organic lemon
- 160 g flour
- 10 g baking powder
For the Cream:
- 400 ml cream
- 250 g cream cheese or quark
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract/sugar for about 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in oil, lemon juice, and sparkling water briefly. Finally, fold in flour and baking powder.
- Distribute the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick from the 15th minute onwards.
- Let the muffins cool completely. For the cream, beat all ingredients until smooth and stiff. Transfer the cream into a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe it onto the cupcakes in a circular motion.
- Decorate the cupcakes with blackberries, lemon slices, and red currants.
Enjoy these Refreshing Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful treat that’s sure to impress with its freshness and elegance!
