Mouthwatering Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Looking for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy? These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are the ultimate treat to satisfy your cravings. Bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor, topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes will quickly become your new favorite dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Lemon Drizzle:

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the blueberries gently.
5. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
7. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
8. For the lemon drizzle, whisk together lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the frosting.
9. Garnish with additional blueberries if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also a delightful treat served chilled! Serve them with a cup of tea or a refreshing iced drink for the perfect pairing.
• If you’re looking to make them extra special, add a few more fresh blueberries or a mint sprig on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• For a fun twist, serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side to add extra creaminess to the zesty flavors.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store the cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting benefits from being kept cool to maintain its texture and taste.
• Freezing: If you want to store the cupcakes for an extended period, freeze them! To do so, place the cooled cupcakes (without frosting) in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature and frost them before serving.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes for days, keeping them fresh and tasty every time!

Variations

1. Mixed Berry Cupcakes:
   • Swap out the blueberries for a mix of berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. This variation will create a colorful, berry-packed treat with a burst of fruity flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes:
   • Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Ensure that the other ingredients, like baking powder and powdered sugar, are also gluten-free for a safe and delicious option.
3. Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes:
   • Add 1–2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter to create a delightful lemon poppy seed variation. This will give your cupcakes an extra crunch and flavor contrast to the soft, moist texture.
4. Lemon Blueberry Coconut Cupcakes:
   • Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut flavor complements the lemon and blueberries beautifully, adding an extra layer of texture.
5. Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes:
   • Replace the blueberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy and vibrant twist. Raspberry and lemon are a perfect pairing that will add a new, delicious layer of flavor.
6. Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Cupcakes:
   • Instead of frosting the cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting, swirl the frosting directly into the batter before baking. This creates a rich, marbled effect and gives each bite a mix of tangy cream cheese and fresh lemon.
7. Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes:
   • For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds and use a plant-based butter or oil. Make sure to choose a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
8. Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with Streusel Topping:
   • Add a streusel topping made from sugar, flour, and butter to the top of the cupcakes before baking. This will give them a crunchy, sweet finish that contrasts nicely with the soft, fruity cupcake.
9. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes:
   • Fill the center of each cupcake with a cheesecake filling made from cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. This will add a creamy surprise inside the cupcake, taking it to the next level of deliciousness.
10. Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd Filling:
    • For an extra burst of lemon flavor, fill each cupcake with homemade lemon curd before frosting. This will add a tangy, custardy surprise with every bite, making your cupcakes even more irresistible.

These variations let you customize your Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes to fit your tastes or experiment with new flavors and textures!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   • Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. However, make sure to fold them into the batter gently to prevent them from bleeding into the cupcake batter. You may also want to slightly thaw them before using.
2. Can I make the cupcakes without lemon zest?
   • While lemon zest gives these cupcakes their signature zesty flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. For a lemony taste, you can add a bit more lemon juice in place of the zest.
3. Can I use a store-bought frosting instead of homemade cream cheese frosting?
   • Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting or any frosting you prefer, though homemade frosting will provide the best flavor and texture.
4. How do I store cupcakes if I can’t eat them all at once?
   • You can store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to store them for longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
   • Yes! You can make these cupcakes gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as the baking powder and powdered sugar, are also gluten-free.
6. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
   • Yes, you can make the cupcakes ahead of time. Bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and frost them once thawed.
7. Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?
   • Yes, feel free to substitute the blueberries with another fruit like raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
8. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
   • If you don’t like cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture and taste.
9. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   • Yes, you can try different frosting options like buttercream or whipped cream frosting if you prefer. For a lighter alternative, whipped cream would pair wonderfully with the cupcakes’ lemon flavor.
10. How can I make the frosting fluffier?
    • To make the frosting fluffier, you can beat it for a longer period of time and ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve a lighter, fluffier consistency.

These FAQs address common questions, ensuring your Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes turn out perfect every time!

These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and fresh flavor. With their light, fluffy texture and rich lemon cream cheese frosting, they are guaranteed to impress at any gathering or be a delightful treat for yourself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a zesty dessert, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy every bite!

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