Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

130 grams (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened
110 grams (1/2 cup) cream cheese or Greek yogurt
145 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
120 grams (2 large) eggs
30 grams (2 tablespoons) egg yolks
170 grams (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
7 grams (1 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder
20 grams (1 1/2 tablespoons) lemon juice
10 grams (1 tablespoon) lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
We recommend:
For unsalted butter:
Prime Kevala Cashew Butter 7 Lbs Pail
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(38) Kevala Cashew Butter 7 Lbs Pail $83.62 View details Prime best seller 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto, Pasture Raised, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces)
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(10,062) 4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces) $9.49 View details
For cream cheese:
Prime Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8)
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(4) Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8) $107.26 View details Prime Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12)
4.7
(13,623) Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12) $23.04 View details LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2)
4.4
(11,950) LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2) $16.98 View details
For granulated sugar:
Prime best seller Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1
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(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags
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(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details
For all-purpose flour:
Prime Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)
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For baking powder:
Prime Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce
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(10,144) Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce $2.63 View details Prime 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 Ounce
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For lemon juice:
Prime Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack)
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For lemon zest:
Prime Lorann Oils Lemon Bakery Emulsion: Tangy Lemon Essence, Perfect for Amplifying Citrus Tones in Cakes, Cookies & Desserts, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Lemon Extract Alternative Essential
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Lemon Glaze

80 grams (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
15 grams (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
Pinch of salt
We recommend:
For powdered sugar:
Prime Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1)
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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, combine the *granulated sugar*, *lemon zest*, and *salt*. In another bowl, beat the *softened butter* with the *cream cheese* until smooth. Gradually add the sugar mixture to the butter mixture and mix well.

Add the *eggs* and *egg yolks* one at a time, mixing each time until fully combined. Then, incorporate the *all-purpose flour* and *baking powder*, mixing until smooth. Finally, add the *lemon juice* and *vanilla essence*, and mix until all ingredients are well integrated. Transfer the batter into a pastry bag.

Step 2

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to *170°C (340°F)*. Line or grease silicone molds and fill them 2/3 of the way with the batter using the pastry bag. Bake the cupcakes for *25-30 minutes* or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before glazing.

Step 3

Make and Apply the Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, combine the *powdered sugar* and *lemon juice* to form a smooth glaze. Add a *pinch of salt* for balance. Drizzle or spread the glaze over each cooled cupcake.

Decorate with a sprig of *thyme* or small fondant lemons, if desired, for an *elegant presentation*.

Servings

These little lemon delights are perfect on their own, but if you want to take your serving game up a notch, consider these ideas: 🍋

Begin with a charming plate: Display your cupcakes on a **ceramic tray with a pop of color** that complements the vibrant yellow of the lemon glaze.

Pair it Up: Serve with a sparkling lemonade or a chilled glass of iced tea for a refreshing combo. The subtle bitterness of the tea balances out the sweet tartness of the cupcakes smoothly.

Hosting an afternoon tea party? 🫖 Arrange the cupcakes with mini cucumber sandwiches and warm scones to create a delightful spread.

Want a cozy touch? Surround your cupcakes with tea lights and fresh flowers to create an ambient, comforting setting.

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Use a large mixing bowl to combine your ingredients seamlessly. A **non-slip bowl** is perfect to keep your work steady while mixing.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
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Electric Mixer

An electric mixer can save you little time and is great for achieving that smooth, creamy batter consistency we all strive for.

We recommend:
Prime best seller KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
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Silicone Cupcake Molds

Silicone molds are not only reusable but also flexible, making it easy to pop out your baked goodies without any hassle.

Piping Bag

Filling the molds with the right amount of batter is simpler with a piping bag. **Pro tip:** Squeeze the middle, not the top for better control.

We recommend:
Prime Ateco Disposable Decorating Bags, 18-Inch, Pack of 100
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Variations

Gluten-Free Version: 🌿 Swap the all-purpose flour with a **gluten-free flour blend**. Ensure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum to help retain that desired cupcake texture.

Vegan Delight: 🥥 Replace butter with **coconut oil** and substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based option, like almond or soy yogurt. Use flaxseed as an egg replacement: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of warm water per egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous.

These adaptations ensure everyone can enjoy these tantalizing lemon wonders!

Faq

  • Why is my batter too thick?

    Check that you measure your ingredients correctly. Ensure you beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy before adding other ingredients.

  • How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

    Gently insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!

  • Can I add additional flavors?

    Absolutely! A **splash of almond extract** adds an aromatic layer, complementing the lemon beautifully.

  • How can I prevent my cupcakes from sticking?

    Ensure you grease your silicone molds carefully or use cupcake liners for easy removal.

  • How do I get an ultra-smooth glaze?

    Sift your powdered sugar before mixing with lemon juice to avoid any pesky lumps.

  • Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

    Yes! Bake them a day prior and store in an airtight container. Glaze and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Nutrition facts

Zesty Lemon Mini Cupcakes with Glaze
Recipe Yield:12 cupcakes
Calories:Each cupcake contains approximately 180-220 calories.
Calories (Min - Max):180 - 220
Total Fat:10g
Saturated Fat:6g
Protein:3g
Total Carbohydrate:25g
Total Sugars:15g