Lemon Cupcakes

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Feb. 15, 2022
Usher in spring with this lemon cupcake recipe. It's a recipe from my mother that I spiced up a bit. —Bertina Nicholas-Johnson, Waynesboro, Virginia

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
  • FROSTING:
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 5 to 6 teaspoons 2% milk

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and extracts. Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cream. Beat just until combined.
  2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 325° for 15-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat shortening until fluffy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, extracts and enough milk to reach spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 319 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.