Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and bursting with vibrant flavor? Look no further! These Lemon Curd Cupcakes are the perfect answer. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, vanilla cupcake, generously topped with a tangy, creamy lemon curd. This recipe is a delightful blend of homemade cooking and easy recipes, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced ones looking for a quick dinner idea or a special dessert. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Lemon Curd:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 4 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Lemon Curd:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs until well combined.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the curd thickens and comes to a simmer. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, one cube at a time, until melted and incorporated.
- Pour the lemon curd into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface (to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
Making the Frosting (Optional):
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the lemon curd and/or the lemon frosting. You can pipe the lemon curd onto the cupcakes for a beautiful presentation. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cupcakes.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cupcake batter for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Feel free to experiment with different frostings. A cream cheese frosting would also pair beautifully with the lemon curd.
- These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Cholesterol: 50-70mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 3-5g
These Lemon Curd Cupcakes are a delicious and impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of fluffy cake and tangy lemon curd – a true taste of sunshine! This easy recipe is perfect for adding to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals.