Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe

These Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting are pure sunshine in dessert form. Light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, they’re topped with a lusciously smooth raspberry buttercream that’s both fruity and indulgent. This recipe is a breeze to make and delivers bakery-quality treats perfect for birthdays, brunches, or a cheerful pick-me-up on a busy weekday. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is to whip up these gorgeous cupcakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cupcakes come together fast and bake in under 20 minutes. You can even prep the frosting while they cool.
• Vibrant Flavor: Tangy lemon and sweet-tart raspberry make a perfect match—each bite is bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying.
• Beautiful Presentation: With their pastel pink swirl of buttercream and golden yellow cake, these cupcakes look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for everything from birthdays to bridal showers, or just a fun baking night at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these sunny cupcakes to life:

• All-Purpose Flour: For structure and softness. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes tender.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the cupcakes a nice, fluffy lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for a rich, creamy base—essential for both the cupcake and the frosting.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while helping to create a light texture.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the batter and give it structure.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: The zest gives an intense lemon aroma, while the juice adds bright acidity to the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter. Whole milk works best for richness.
• Fresh Raspberries: Pureed and strained for the buttercream—don’t skip the straining step to avoid seeds.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetening and thickening the raspberry buttercream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to both the cake and frosting.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these cupcakes? Try one of these fun ideas:

• Blueberry Twist: Swap raspberries for blueberries in the buttercream for a mellow, sweet alternative.
• Lemon-Lavender: Add a pinch of dried lavender to the cupcake batter for a floral note.
• Filled Cupcakes: Core out the center and add a spoonful of raspberry jam or lemon curd for a surprise inside.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Zest and juice your lemons, and set the raspberries aside for the frosting.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and juice. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. Slowly add them to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Buttercream

Puree the raspberries and strain out the seeds. In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the raspberry puree and a splash of vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the buttercream on top. Garnish with a fresh raspberry or a bit of lemon zest if you’d like!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix only until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
• Strain the Raspberry Puree: This avoids seeds in your frosting, giving it a perfectly smooth texture.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft to pipe, chill it for 10–15 minutes before decorating.

How to Serve

These lemon cupcakes are delightful on their own, but here’s how to elevate them even more:

Tea Time Treat

Pair with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a soothing afternoon break.

Dessert Table Star

Arrange on a cake stand with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Festive Garnish

Top with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a candy lemon wedge for a decorative flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

No need to reheat—just let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temp. If they’ve been frozen, allow them to defrost fully before frosting or serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for its vibrant flavor and natural acidity. Bottled lemon juice often tastes flat and processed, which can dull the brightness of the cupcakes.

How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your raspberry buttercream is too runny, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Chilling the frosting for 10–15 minutes can also help it firm up.

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, just thaw them completely and strain well before pureeing. Frozen raspberries work great and still deliver plenty of bold flavor.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a piping bag with a star tip for a pretty swirl. If you don’t have piping tools, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works too!

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting are a joyful little treat that tastes like spring in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments. Simple, stunning, and packed with flavor—you’ve got to give them a try!

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