Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes (Print View)
Light, zesty lemon cupcakes with poppy seeds and creamy frosting
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 2 tablespoons lemon zest
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
18 - Pinch of salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately 2/3 full.
07 - Bake for 16-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
10 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously with lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with extra lemon zest or poppy seeds if desired.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The texture is impossibly moist without being dense, thanks to careful ingredient ratios
- Fresh lemon hits you immediately while poppy seeds keep every bite interesting
02 -
- Overmixing the batter makes tough cupcakes, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking throughout
03 -
- Zest your lemons before juicing them, much easier to handle when they are whole
- Sift the powdered sugar directly into the frosting bowl to prevent any lumps