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Perfect Lemon Elderflower Cupcakes with Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

lemon elderflower cupcakes - featured image
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These cupcakes combine zesty lemon and delicate elderflower flavors with a smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a light, fluffy, and nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) elderflower syrup (or elderflower cordial/simple syrup with vanilla)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract (optional)
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) elderflower syrup (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, elderflower syrup, and vanilla extract if using.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined after each addition.
  6. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  9. Stir in lemon juice, elderflower syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
  10. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using a spatula or piping bag. Garnish with lemon slice or edible flower if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes tender. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frosting can be chilled if too soft before piping. Substitute elderflower syrup with cordial or simple syrup with vanilla if unavailable. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are possible with ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cupcakes, elderflower cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, easy cupcakes, homemade frosting, lemon elderflower dessert, floral cupcakes

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/perfect-lemon-elderflower-cupcakes-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/