Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of sweet raspberries and tangy lemon, creating a light, fluffy, and flavorful dessert. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a treat to brighten your day. The combination of zesty lemon cake and juicy raspberries makes every bite refreshing, while the creamy lemon frosting adds a smooth, decadent finish. Garnished with fresh raspberries and lemon zest, 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
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Lemon Cream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh raspberries and lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together 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 4: Combine Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the raspberries and lemon zest.
Step 5: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the 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 6: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Decorate
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lemon cream frosting.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor, but frozen raspberries can work if thawed and drained properly.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Want more variations? Check out this recipe for additional tips and techniques! 🍋🧁✨