Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
🍋 Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Raspberry Filling:
1 cup fresh raspberries
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the Creamy Lemon Filling:
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Lemon Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp heavy cream (if needed)
For Garnish:
Fresh raspberries
Lemon zest
🔥 Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Lemon Cupcakes
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with liners.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Alternately mix in the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
6️⃣ Finally, mix in lemon juice until just combined. Do not overmix.
7️⃣ Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8️⃣ Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Filling
1️⃣ In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2️⃣ Stir until raspberries break down (about 5 minutes).
3️⃣ Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
4️⃣ Let cool completely before using.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Filling
1️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 4: Fill the Cupcakes
1️⃣ Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
2️⃣ Fill halfway with raspberry filling, then add a dollop of creamy lemon filling on top.
3️⃣ Replace the cupcake tops (optional).
Step 5: Make the Lemon Buttercream
1️⃣ Beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
3️⃣ Mix in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Add heavy cream if needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
5️⃣ Beat for 3-5 minutes until fluffy.
Step 6: Decorate & Serve
1️⃣ Pipe lemon buttercream onto cupcakes.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
✨ Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes!