Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

You won’t regret making these amazing lemon stuffed cupcakes. Everything from the soft, light cake to the zingy lemon curd filling and sweet creamy frosting is perfect! Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a delightful treat at home, these cupcakes are sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cupcakes
• For the Lemon Curd Filling
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
• Step 4: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling
• Step 5: Frosting Preparation
• Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes
• How to Serve Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Classic Presentation
• Pair with Fresh Fruits
• Add Ice Cream
• Create a Dessert Platter
• Garnish with Edible Flowers
• How to Perfect Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Reheating Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
• How can I customize my lemon stuffed cupcakes?
• What if I don’t have lemon juice?
• How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest give these cupcakes a refreshing taste that brightens any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, potluck, or just an afternoon snack, these treats fit in beautifully.
• Decadent Filling: The lemon curd filling adds an unexpected burst of flavor that elevates the classic cupcake experience.
• Frosting Delight: Topped with creamy frosting, these cupcakes balance sweetness with tartness perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your lemon stuffed cupcakes, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping butter and sugar easy and ensures a light cupcake texture.
• Zester or grater: Allows you to get the freshest lemon zest without bitterness.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt
• 1/2 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 2/3 Cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 Cup milk (at room temperature)

For the Lemon Curd Filling

• 4 egg yolks (large)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (1 medium lemon)
• 1/3 Cup lemon juice (fresh, 2 or 3 lemons)
• 1/4 Teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Frosting

• 1/2 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 2 1/4 Cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)

How to Make Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for pouring in your batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients alternating with milk until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for about 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until well mixed.
2. Cook while stirring frequently until thickened—about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Allow cooling before filling.

Step 5: Frosting Preparation

In a clean bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add fresh lemon juice gradually until you achieve desired consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once cooled:
1. Use a small knife to create a hole in each cupcake center.
2. Fill each hole with cooled lemon curd filling.
3. Pipe frosting on top as desired.

Now enjoy your delicious lemon stuffed cupcakes! Perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve something sweet today!

How to Serve Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

Lemon stuffed cupcakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes can be served to impress your guests or simply to brighten your day.

Classic Presentation

• Use simple white cupcake liners for an elegant look.
• Top with a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flair.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• A fruit salad can enhance the flavor profile and add color to your dessert table.

Add Ice Cream

• Pairing lemon stuffed cupcakes with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious creamy balance.
• Consider serving warm cupcakes with cold ice cream on top.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cupcakes on a decorative platter with assorted desserts.
• Include chocolate truffles or macarons for variety.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• Adding edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums can elevate the aesthetic.
• This is perfect for garden parties or spring gatherings.

How to Perfect Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

To ensure your lemon stuffed cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and results in fluffier cupcakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and airy.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when they’re done baking.
• Let them cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different citrus zest or extracts for unique variations on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

Lemon stuffed cupcakes pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their bright flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, honey, and granola for a creamy and crunchy side.
3. Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert echoes the lemon flavor in the cupcakes.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate contrasts nicely with the tartness of lemon.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes offer a rich alternative that pairs well with lemon flavors.
6. Pistachio Muffins: The nutty taste complements the citrus notes beautifully, creating an interesting flavor combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making perfect lemon stuffed cupcakes can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps the batter mix well, resulting in a lighter cupcake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Stir just until combined for a fluffy texture.
• Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it—use fresh zest from a medium lemon for the best taste.
• Not filling the cupcakes properly: Ensure you leave enough space for the lemon curd filling. Fill each cupcake about halfway before adding the filling and topping.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low for 10-15 seconds, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, covering with a lid for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about lemon stuffed cupcakes that may help you in your baking journey.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, store-bought lemon curd works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s fresh!

How can I customize my lemon stuffed cupcakes?

You can add berries or other fruits into the frosting or filling for an exciting twist. Try adding lavender or coconut for different flavors!

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute with lime juice or even orange juice, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I know when my cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

These lemon stuffed cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with different fillings and frostings. Perfect for any occasion, give this recipe a try and enjoy a burst of citrus goodness!