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Lemon Cupcakes are a lemon lovers dream! Perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy, they’re a dessert that everyone goes ga-ga over!

 

 

These lemon cupcakes are where it’s at. They’re so bright and happy. Perfect for any summer or spring get together.

I love that this lemon cupcakes recipe is such a light and refreshing dessert.

You’ll use lemon curd in the cupcakes, frosting, and filling! It gives the cupcakes a light fresh lemon flavor instead of an overpowering tangy lemon taste.

Plus Lemon curd cupcakes are made with simple ingredients! You’ll even get to start with a boxed cake mix. Score!

And a lemon cupcake is fun to decorate too! It’s super easy to pipe on some delicious frosting and the lemon drop on top is the perfect touch!

We’ve been making these fluffy lemon cupcakes for years. And they are a huge family favorite!

Not only that but we’ve sold them, given them as gifts, and taken them to parties. And they’ve always gotten rave reviews!

 

 

What Ingredients are in Lemon Cupcakes?

Starting with a cake box will make things go quicker but don’t worry. It doesn’t taste like boxed cake!

• White Cake Mix: Pick this up at any local grocery store. It creates the basic cupcake recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour gives some much needed structure to the cake mix.
• White Sugar: For added sweetness! You’ll want this to pair with the lemon taste.
• Salt: Salt is necessary even in desserts to bring out the yummy flavor of everything else.
• Water: The liquid will keep your cupcakes from being too dense.
• Vegetable Oil: You can use another oil if desired here. Be sure to use one that doesn’t have too strong of flavor.
• Lemon Curd Recipe : Lemon curd is really the secret to getting perfect lemon cupcakes. 
• Eggs: Eggs help the cupcakes to rise and also hold them together.
• Lemon Drops: Don’t forget the lemon drop candies! They’re a sweet and delicious cupcake topping.

Pro Tips:

• Store bought lemon curd has nothing on homemade lemon curd! Try it and see what I mean.
• Too much flour is not a good thing! Be sure to measure accurately.
• Use room temperature eggs. When everything is the same temperature, it combines better.

 

 

How to Make Lemon Cupcakes

The best lemon cupcakes are just a few easy steps away.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix together the cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add water, oil, eggs, and lemon curd to the flour mixture.
3. Bake Cupcakes: When a toothpick comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready!

Pro Tips:

• Be careful not to overfill the cupcake batter. ¾ full will keep them from flowing all over.
• Use cupcake liners to make an easy clean up and help you get the cupcakes out of the cupcake pan.
• Use a stand electric mixer or hand mixer to save your arm work.
• Don’t add any filling or frosting until your cupcakes have cooled to room temperature.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure you don’t miss any ingredients.
• A cooling rack or wire rack will help cool the cupcakes faster.

 

 

How to Make Filling for Lemon Cupcakes

The perfect filling for lemon cupcakes is Lemon Whipped Cream.

It’s a delicious and light filling that you can easily put into your tender cupcakes.

All you’ll need are some heavy whipping cream and lemon curd to make that delicious filling.

Follow this lemon whipped cream recipe here for all the delicious details.

 

 

How to Fill Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Filling

No need to scoop any of the homemade lemon cupcakes out or use any sort of special tools.

All you need is a piping bag and a tip. Believe me, it’s the best way to fill your lemon cupcakes.

If you don’t have a piping bag available you can just use a zip lock bag. Simply snip the end off and use as you would any other piping bag.

Put your lemon filling into the piping bag being careful not to overfill as it’ll squeeze out the back of the bag.

Then put the large round tip right into the center of each cupcake and fill until the cupcake begins to bulge. Remove and frost!

Because you’ll be covering the top of the cupcakes with frosting you don’t need to cover up your hole or worry about that. No one will see anything!

 

 

What Frosting Goes Well with Lemon Cupcakes?

The best frosting for a homemade lemon cupcake recipe is hands down this Lemon Curd Buttercream.

It’s a creamy lemon frosting that combines all of your favorite flavors.

When using all things lemon but flavored with lemon curd, it isn’t overwhelming but a perfect balance of citrus flavor, just like a lemon cupcake should be.

For that recipe you’ll need to grab butter, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and more lemon curd. Find all the details of how to make it here.

If you want to try a different frosting, try Homemade Buttercream Frosting or Cream Cheese Frosting.

They’re both neutral in flavor and perfect for pairing with the bright lemon flavor of the cupcakes.

Don’t forget the lemon drop candies either!

And if your personal preference is extra lemony flavor, shave a little lemon zest on top right before serving.

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Lemon Cupcakes?

There’s nothing in lemon cupcakes that’s particularly toxic for dogs. So if your dog eats small pieces, there’s no reason to panic.

However, sugar, butter, and flour are all hard on a dog’s digestive system.

They have a hard time processing sweets and really shouldn’t be fed them on a regular basis. 

So try your hardest to keep your dogs away from your lemon cupcakes.

 

 

Can You Freeze Lemon Curd Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Lemon curd cupcakes freeze well and taste great when thawed.

I recommend freezing before frosting. That way you can wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap.

Then place the wrapped cupcakes into an airtight bag and label with the recipe name and date.

You can keep the lemon cupcakes in the freezer for up to three months before they’ll start to lose their delicious flavor.

When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw overnight on the counter and then frost before eating.

 

 

Can You Make Lemon Cupcakes with Cake Mix?

Yes! While cake mix requires some additional ingredients to help bring it up to amazing status, it’s totally doable.

I like to use cake mix because it cuts down on my work and honestly is just such a nice starter.

 

 

More Awesome Cupcakes You’ll Love…

• Rolo Cupcakes
• Banana Pudding Cupcakes
• Root Beer Cupcakes
• Banana Cupcakes
• Andes Mint Chocolate Cupcakes
• Black Forest Cupcakes with Cake Mix
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cake Mix
• Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
• Sugar Cone Cupcakes
• Apple Pie Cupcakes
• German Chocolate Cupcakes

Lemon Cupcakes are a delicious and easy cupcake that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy them all spring and summer and let me know what you think in the comments!

 

Originally Posted: May 16, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: February 19, 2023

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