Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
Light, tangy, and bursting with berry flavor—these cupcakes are a little bite of sunshine! Perfect for spring, bridal showers, or anytime you crave a bright, fruity treat.
Ingredients (Makes 12 cupcakes)
For the Cupcakes:
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temp
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1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup (90g) fresh raspberries, halved (or frozen, thawed)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
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½ cup (115g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Garnish:
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Fresh raspberries
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Lemon zest or thin slices
Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (~3 min). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in raspberries gently (don’t overmix to avoid streaks).
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Divide batter into liners (¾ full). Bake 18-20 min until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Whip until fluffy (~2 min).
3. Assemble:
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Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with a raspberry and lemon zest.
Tips & Variations
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Extra tangy? Add 1 tsp lemon extract to the batter.
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Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
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No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 min.
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Make ahead: Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temp for 1 day, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Why You’ll Love These:
☀️ Perfect balance of sweet and tart.
☀️ Ultra-moist with juicy raspberry pockets.
☀️ Creamy frosting that’s not too heavy.
Serve at your next tea party or enjoy with an iced latte! ☕🍋
Want a blueberry-lemon version? Swap the raspberries! 😊
