Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, cubed
For the Meringue Topping:
3 large egg whites
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¼ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Bake the Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
Divide batter evenly among liners (about ¾ full).
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Curd:
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks.
Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press directly onto curd to prevent skin), and refrigerate until cool.
3. Make the Meringue:
In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, whisk egg whites and sugar until sugar dissolves (about 3 minutes).
Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5 minutes).
Beat in cream of tartar and vanilla extract.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove the center of each cupcake.
Fill with lemon curd and place the cut-out piece back on top.
Pipe or spoon meringue on top of each cupcake.
Torch the meringue using a kitchen torch until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Meringue Cupcakes! 🍋🔥🧁