Delicious lemon poppy seed cupcakes topped with lemon frosting.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

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Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combine the bright flavor of lemon with the fun crunch of poppy seeds. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a picnic, or just a sweet snack at home. Their light and refreshing taste makes them stand out from regular cupcakes, and they are sure to impress your friends and family.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups cake flour
  • 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup lemon curd

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place cupcake liners in a muffin pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, water, oil, egg, lemon extract, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until combined.
  5. Fill the cupcake liners with the batter and bake for 18-21 minutes.
  6. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
  8. Add in the lemon zest, vanilla, and salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  9. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
  10. If desired, fill the cupcakes with lemon curd and garnish with lemon zest and poppy seeds.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a dollop of lemon curd on top. For a charming touch, sprinkle extra poppy seeds and lemon zest for added color and flavor. They make a lovely dessert for any gathering or a sweet surprise for a loved one.

How to Store Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

To keep these cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon curd to your preference—more for a tangy flavor, or less for a sweeter taste.
  • For a more vibrant lemon flavor, you can add more lemon extract or zest to the frosting.

Variation

You can switch up this recipe by adding blueberry or raspberry into the batter for a fruity twist. Alternatively, you can replace the lemon with orange zest and juice for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is it necessary to use both lemon and vanilla extracts?
Using both extracts enhances the flavor, but if you prefer, you can use just lemon extract for a stronger lemon taste.