Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes (Print View)
Fluffy lemon cupcakes with poppy seeds and creamy lemon frosting
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds
03 - 1 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
10 - 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 tsp lemon zest
18 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
07 - Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
08 - Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
10 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously with lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with extra lemon zest or poppy seeds if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of tangy lemon and sweet butter is absolutely intoxicating
- Poppy seeds add the most delightful tiny crunch in every bite
- The cream cheese frosting balances everything perfectly
02 -
- Overmixing the batter will make your cupcakes tough, so stop as soon as ingredients are combined
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and create a finer texture
03 -
- Brushing warm cupcakes with lemon syrup adds an extra burst of flavor and moisture
- For a lighter frosting, whip an extra minute to incorporate more air