Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes (Print Version)
Moist lemon cupcakes with poppy seeds and creamy frosting, ready in 38 minutes.
# What You 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
# How-To:
01 - Preheat the 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. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
06 - Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
09 - Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar while beating well. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
10 - Generously frost cooled cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting. Decorate with additional lemon zest or poppy seeds if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These little cakes balance bright lemon with creamy frosting in every bite
- The poppy seeds add just enough crunch without overwhelming the delicate crumb
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking
- Overmixing creates tough cupcakes, so stop as soon as flour disappears
03 -
- Zest your lemons before juicing them, it is much easier that way
- Sift powdered sugar directly into the frosting bowl to prevent stubborn lumps