Lemon Cupcakes

Today I am sharing with you my recipe for a refreshing Lemon Cupcake. I used a cream cheese based frosting which brought all the flavors together perfectly making them not too sour or overly sweet. They are very delicious and I hope you have a chance to try them! 

Ingredients

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 1/2 teaspoon lemon Extract

1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Yellow food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

Prep cupcake pans with liners.

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. 

Add dry ingredients into a mixer bowl.

Add oil and mix on low speed, once incorporated add the eggs, milk, lemon extract, zest and coloring.

Mix on low speed for about 15 seconds.

Scrape sides and mix on low speed for about a minute or until the batter is all mixed together. DO NOT OVER MIX.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake in oven for 18-20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. For a moist cupcake you do not want to over bake them. Take them out before they turn golden brown and when you think they might be a little underdone. Cool cupcakes and ice with the following recipe.

Icing

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup salted butter at room temperature

1 pound confectioners sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

In an electric mixer cream together butter and cream cheese for about 1 minute.

Turn the mixer to low speed and add sugar a little at a time.

Scrape side and add lemon juice.

Mix on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until the icing is at your preferred consistency.

ENJOY!

Nichole