13 Best Lemon Cupcake Recipes for a Delicious Treat

Biting into Lemon Cupcake Recipes feels like a tiny party in your mouth because the soft cake melts with every chew, and the zing of lemon makes it bright and cheerful. Even when the frosting isn’t perfectly smooth, it still tastes delicious.

I like serving Lemon Cupcake Recipes with sides that add interesting textures and flavors, like a few sweet puff pastry bites, a small bowl of roasted garlic mushrooms, a slice of sweet banana bread, or little baked asparagus spears. Each combination makes the cupcakes feel unique, balanced, and fun to enjoy.

13. Classic Lemon Cupcakes

These classic lemon cupcakes are fluffy and soft, packed with zesty lemon flavor and the perfect sweetness to brighten your day. You can make them easily at home, and they are perfect for any occasion. Pairing them with a light frosting makes them irresistible, and everyone will enjoy these lemon cupcakes without any fuss.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one by one.
  4. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and mix gently. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
  5. Pour batter into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely before frosting with your favorite lemon frosting.

12. Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Lemon blueberry cupcakes combine the bright zest of lemon with juicy blueberries, resulting in a moist and sweet cupcake that bursts with flavor. The tangy lemon perfectly complements the berries. These cupcakes are fun to make at home, and kids and adults will both love them. Fresh blueberries make them extra special and ideal for brunch or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cupcake liners.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, and add eggs one at a time.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, then fold in lemon zest and juice.
  5. Gently fold in blueberries and fill cupcake liners two-thirds full.
  6. Bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before frosting.

11. Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

These lemon poppy seed cupcakes are delightfully light and soft, with a slight crunch from poppy seeds. The lemon flavor brightens every bite. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes these cupcakes ideal for gatherings. They are easy to bake, great for gifting, and everyone will enjoy them.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one by one.
  4. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, and stir in lemon zest, juice, and poppy seeds.
  5. Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool and frost with lemon glaze or frosting.

10. Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

Lemon coconut cupcakes combine tropical coconut flavor with zesty lemon, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat. These cupcakes are fun to make, and everyone will love the tropical twist. Topping with shredded coconut adds extra texture and sweetness. They are perfect for summer parties or casual snacking and simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup shredded coconut

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one by one.
  4. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and fold in lemon zest, juice, and shredded coconut.
  5. Fill liners and bake 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely and top with coconut frosting or lemon glaze.

9. Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

These lemon cream cheese cupcakes are rich and creamy. The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon cupcake base. These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays or special treats. Baking them is easy and fun, and everyone will love the smooth frosting and soft cupcake combination. They taste amazing and look impressive without effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, then mix in flour and milk alternately and fold in lemon zest and juice.
  4. Bake 18–20 minutes and cool completely.
  5. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  6. Frost cupcakes and serve.

8. Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon raspberry cupcakes are sweet and tart together, with fresh raspberries blending perfectly with the zesty lemon flavor. These cupcakes are moist and fruity, ideal for a light dessert or brunch. Baking them is simple and fun. The bright pink raspberries make them look beautiful, every bite is full of refreshing flavor, and they are perfect for any season. Everyone will enjoy them.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, then fold in lemon zest, juice, and raspberries gently.
  5. Fill liners and bake 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely and frost if desired.

7. Lemon Lavender Cupcakes

These lemon lavender cupcakes are floral and citrusy, offering a delicate and fragrant flavor. The cupcake base is soft and fluffy, perfect for tea parties or special occasions. The lavender adds subtle sophistication. Baking them at home is easy and enjoyable. Everyone will love the unique taste, they look gorgeous on the plate, and the aroma is irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried culinary lavender

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, then add flour and milk alternately and fold in lemon zest, juice, and lavender.
  4. Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  5. Let cool completely and frost with lemon glaze or buttercream.

6. Lemon Ginger Cupcakes

Lemon ginger cupcakes are zesty and slightly spicy. The combination of fresh lemon and ginger creates a warm and flavorful cupcake. These cupcakes are moist, perfect for tea or dessert, and baking them is easy and quick. Everyone will enjoy the aromatic taste, and the hint of ginger adds depth to the sweet lemon flavor. They look wonderful on a dessert plate and taste unforgettable.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cupcake liners.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs.
  4. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and stir in lemon zest, juice, and ginger.
  5. Pour batter into liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  6. Cool completely and frost or drizzle with lemon glaze.

5. Lemon Honey Cupcakes

Lemon honey cupcakes are naturally sweet and bright, with honey enhancing the citrus flavor of lemon. These cupcakes are soft and tender, perfect for a simple dessert or snack. Baking them at home is easy and fun. The combination of lemon and honey creates a comforting taste. Everyone will love these cupcakes. They are perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp honey

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, then fold in lemon zest, juice, and honey.
  5. Pour into cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  6. Cool completely and top with honey glaze or frosting.

4. Lemon Almond Cupcakes

Lemon almond cupcakes are nutty and zesty. Almond flour or chopped almonds add texture and flavor. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and perfect for brunch or dessert. Baking them is simple and enjoyable. Everyone will love the nutty aroma, and the lemon flavor makes them bright and refreshing. Topping with almond slivers adds extra crunch and beauty. They taste as good as they look.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flours, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, folding in lemon zest, juice, and almonds.
  5. Fill liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  6. Cool and frost with lemon buttercream or sprinkle almonds on top.

3. Lemon Chiffon Cupcakes

Lemon chiffon cupcakes are airy and light, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. The lemon flavor is gentle but bright. These cupcakes are perfect for a light dessert or afternoon tea. Baking them is fun and satisfying, and everyone will enjoy their fluffy texture and delicate taste. Topping with a light glaze or frosting makes them elegant and irresistible. They are perfect for spring or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • ½ cup sugar, divided
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Beat egg yolks with half the sugar, then add oil, milk, lemon zest, and juice.
  3. Mix flour with baking powder and salt, and fold into yolk mixture.
  4. Beat egg whites with remaining sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold gently into batter.
  5. Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  6. Cool and frost lightly with lemon glaze or powdered sugar.

2. Lemon Cheesecake Cupcakes

Lemon cheesecake cupcakes are creamy and tangy. The rich cheesecake filling blends perfectly with soft lemon cupcakes. They are perfect for special occasions or gifting. Making them is simple and fun. Everyone will love the creamy texture and bright lemon flavor. They are elegant and indulgent without being overly sweet and look stunning on any dessert table.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

For Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, lemon zest, and juice.
  4. Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, add cheesecake filling, and top with remaining batter.
  6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cool completely before frosting.

1. Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Lemon meringue cupcakes combine soft lemon cupcakes with a fluffy meringue topping. The sweet and tangy flavors balance perfectly. These cupcakes are fun and festive, ideal for celebrations or dessert parties. Baking them is easy and satisfying. Everyone will love the creamy lemon center and golden meringue top. They are impressive and delicious, with unforgettable flavor, perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

For Meringue:

  • 3 egg whites
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, lemon zest, and juice.
  4. Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
  5. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff.
  6. Pipe or spread meringue on cooled cupcakes and toast lightly if desired.

Conclusion

These 13 lemon cupcakes are the yummiest and easiest ways to enjoy bright, zesty flavors. Whether you like classic, fruity, nutty, or creamy variations, these cupcakes have something for everyone. Baking them is fun and simple. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can try all the recipes at home, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious lemon cupcake recipes and sweet treats every week.

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