Light, airy, and bursting with sunshine, these lemon cupcakes are swirled with sweet raspberry and topped with a luscious raspberry-lemon buttercream. A perfect blend of tangy, fruity, and sweet—ideal for spring, summer, or whenever you need a sweet little lift!
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes ❤️
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π Bright Lemon Flavor – Zesty, refreshing, and invigorating.
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π Raspberry-Filled Centers – A sweet surprise in every bite.
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π§ Silky Buttercream – Creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet.
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πΈ Picture-Perfect Pastels – Beautiful for any occasion.
Ingredients π
For the Lemon Cupcakes
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
For the Raspberry Swirl
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½ cup raspberry jam (or purΓ©ed raspberries + 1 tbsp sugar)
For the Raspberry Lemon Buttercream
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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¼ cup raspberry purΓ©e (strained for smoothness)
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Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh raspberries
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Lemon slices
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Edible flowers
How to Make Them π°
1. Bake the Cupcakes
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin.
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined.
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Fill liners ⅔ full and bake 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Add the Raspberry Center
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Use a spoon or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
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Fill the hollow with raspberry jam or purΓ©e.
3. Make the Buttercream
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Beat butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar.
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Mix in lemon juice, zest, raspberry purΓ©e, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Frost and Decorate
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Pipe or spread the buttercream over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with raspberries, lemon slices, or flowers for a stunning finish.
Tips for Success π₯
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Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and even rise.
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Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light and tender.
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Strain raspberry purΓ©e for a silky, seed-free frosting.
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Store in an airtight container up to 3 days, or freeze unfrosted cupcakes for later.
Serving Ideas π½️
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Pair with iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing treat.
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Perfect for brunches, showers, or sunny garden parties.
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Add white chocolate curls for an extra-elegant finish.
The Final Verdict: Sweet Sunshine in Every Bite ☁️
These Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are a joyful blend of tart lemon and sweet raspberry, wrapped up in a swirl of soft buttercream. Bake them once, and they’ll become your go-to treat! π✨