🍓 Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes 🍋
🍰 Ingredients (Makes 18–20 cupcakes)
For the Cupcakes:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons)
1 cup fresh raspberries, lightly mashed
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
🧁 Instructions
Make the Cupcakes:
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in Flavorings:
Stir in lemon zest and mashed raspberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake Until Golden:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely:
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually Add Sugar:
Slowly sift in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once fully incorporated, increase speed and beat until light and fluffy.
Add Citrus Flavor:
Mix in lemon juice and lemon zest until fully incorporated and smooth.
Frost and Finish:
Frost the Cupcakes:
Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each one using a piping bag or spatula.
Garnish with Flair:
Top each frosted cupcake with a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a beautiful finish.