Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Icing

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

Vanilla cupcakes with lemon icing are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, buttery flavor of vanilla and the bright, refreshing notes of lemon. This combination creates a sweet and tangy experience that many dessert lovers adore.

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes wafting through the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Icing are sure to delight.

With their light, fluffy texture and zesty lemon glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Let’s dive into the recipe and some tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.

Perfect Texture: The cupcakes are soft, moist, and tender, thanks to the combination of butter, milk, and baking powder.

Bright Lemon Flavor: The lemon glaze adds a refreshing citrus kick that complements the vanilla base beautifully.

Customizable: Add optional buttercream frosting for an extra layer of indulgence or keep it simple with just the glaze.

If you enjoyed this, you may love: Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Why These Cupcakes Are Special

These Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Icing are more than just a dessert - they’re a celebration of love, creativity, and cherished moments. What makes them so special isn’t just their delicious flavor or beautiful appearance; it’s the story behind them and the emotions they evoke. Here’s why these cupcakes hold a unique place in my heart:

1. A Labor of Love

These cupcakes came from a simple wish: to make my daughter’s birthday extra special. Baking them together turned a basic recipe into a fun, shared moment, full of laughter and the excitement of tasting what we’d made. That’s what makes them so meaningful.

2. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of vanilla and lemon is magical. The vanilla cupcakes are soft, tender, and comforting, while the lemon glaze adds a bright, zesty kick that feels like a burst of sunshine. It’s a pairing that’s both classic and refreshing, making these cupcakes a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re a fan of rich, buttery flavors or prefer something light and tangy, these cupcakes strike the perfect balance.

3. Versatile

What makes these cupcakes even more special is their versatility. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. You can keep them simple with just the lemon glaze or dress them up with buttercream frosting and decorations.

No matter how you serve them, they always feel like a treat. And because they’re made with basic ingredients, they’re accessible to bakers of all skill levels, making them a recipe you can return to again and again.

Baking Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.

Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much into the measuring cup, which can lead to dense cupcakes.

Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cupcakes.

Zesting Citrus: When zesting lemons (or other citrus fruits), avoid the white pith beneath the skin, as it can impart a bitter taste.

Storage: Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you've used the buttercream frosting, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days; just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

By following these steps and tips, you'll create moist, flavorful vanilla cupcakes with a delightful lemony finish.

Sweet Ending

Baking vanilla cupcakes with lemon icing is not only easy, but it also brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. The richness of the vanilla, paired with the freshness of the lemon glaze, makes these treats a hit.

Whether you opt for just the glaze or go all out with buttercream frosting, these cupcakes offer a delightful combination of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy every bite and share the sweetness with friends and family. Happy baking!

Vanilla Cupcakes with

Lemon Icing

With their light, fluffy texture and zesty lemon glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Prep. Time: 20 min. Baking Time: 20 min.

Cooling Time: 30 min. Total Time: ~1 h 10 min.

Serves: 12

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

100g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
125g caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
2 large eggs, at room temperature
200g plain (all-purpose) flour
2 and 2/3 teaspoons baking powder
125ml whole milk, at room temperature

For the Lemon Glaze

150g powdered (icing) sugar
2 to 2.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method

Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla bean paste.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour and baking powder until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.

Bake the Cupcakes:

5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Cooling:

6. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a w≥ire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

7. In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Gradually whisk in the fresh lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency. A good glaze should be pourable but not too watery.

8. Once your cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over them, letting it cascade down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving for the best presentation.