Description
These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes combine tangy lemon zest and juice with sweet blueberries in a moist, fluffy cupcake, topped with a creamy full-fat cream cheese frosting. Perfectly portioned for gatherings or a sweet treat, this recipe produces about 15 standard-sized cupcakes with an additional batch possible. The cupcakes are light, flavorful, and decorated optionally with fresh lemon slices and blueberries for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries, tossed in 1 Tablespoon flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Optional Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Extra blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This recipe yields about 15 standard cupcakes, so plan for a second batch or use a 30-36 mini cupcake pan if preferred.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside to incorporate the leavening evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3 minutes. Scrape bowl sides as needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and combined, about 1 minute, scraping the bowl as necessary.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredient mixture gradually. Slowly pour in the milk and fresh lemon juice, beating until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender cupcakes.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter to distribute them evenly without crushing.
- Fill Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to prevent overflow. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini cupcakes, bake 11–13 minutes at the same temperature.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt and beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed for 2 more minutes until fluffy. Adjust salt to taste. Refrigerate for 20 minutes if piping intricate designs.
- Frost and Decorate: Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired using a piping tip or an icing spatula. Garnish with optional lemon slices and extra blueberries.
- Set Frosting: Refrigerate decorated cupcakes uncovered for at least 20 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use a cupcake carrier for transport and freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best batter consistency and proper mixing.
- To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them in flour before folding into batter.
- Frosting can be chilled before piping for better control and shape retention.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep cupcakes tender.
- Ensure cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Recipe yields approximately 15 standard cupcakes or 30-36 mini cupcakes with adjusted baking time.
- Leftover cupcakes are best stored refrigerated and consumed within 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-21 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon blueberry cupcakes, lemon cupcakes, blueberry desserts, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes, spring desserts
