Description
These Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes are bursting with fresh citrus flavor, dotted with crunchy poppy seeds, and topped with a tangy lemon buttercream. Light, moist, and irresistible, they make a perfect dessert for spring gatherings, brunches, baby showers, or afternoon tea. Keywords: lemon poppy seed cupcakes, spring cupcakes, citrus dessert, lemon cupcakes, lemon desserts
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Lemon Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Optional: yellow food coloring for extra brightness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among liners (about ¾ full). Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes. Garnish with poppy seeds, lemon zest, or edible flowers if desired.
Notes
- For extra lemony flavor, brush baked cupcakes with a little lemon syrup while warm.
- Can be made a day ahead; store in an airtight container.
- Pairs beautifully with blueberry compote as a topping or filling.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
