Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of tart raspberries and bright lemon zest, creating a light, fluffy cupcake with a refreshing citrus twist. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat.
These cupcakes combine the tangy freshness of raspberries with the zesty brightness of lemon, resulting in a perfectly balanced dessert. The soft vanilla batter is infused with lemon zest and dotted with juicy raspberries, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with a creamy lemon frosting and garnished with fresh raspberries, these cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Cream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the raspberries and lemon zest.
Step 4: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Step 6: Decorate
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lemon cream frosting.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Helpful Tips
- If fresh raspberries are not available, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Use a microplane grater for the lemon zest to get fine, fragrant shavings that blend seamlessly into the batter.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve at brunch or special occasions for an elegant dessert.
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.
These Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a heavenly dessert experience. Enjoy! 🍋🧁