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Lemon vanilla cupcakes

I wanted a simple recipe, with a lovely lemon and vanilla aroma, but not too sweet. Soft, easy-to-make little cakes that you'd want to share… or keep all to yourself with a coffee. I adjusted the quantities to make 12 perfectly sized muffins, and I opted for a buttercream and cream cheese frosting, which is milder and more balanced. The result: light, fresh, and just indulgent enough muffins. It's the kind of recipe you make again and again without hesitation, because it simply works. -- Marilyn

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Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	15 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	18 to 22 minutes
⏲️ Total time	35 to 40 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Portions	12 muffins
🔥 Calories (approx.)	≈ 280 per muffin (without creaming)

Ingredients – Muffins
270 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour 180 g (¾ cup) of sugar 3 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt The zest of 1 1/2 lemons 2 eggs 185 ml (¾ cup) of milk 125 ml (½ cup) of vegetable oil or melted butter 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

Ingredients – Lemon Cream
115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter , softened 225 g (1 package / 8 oz) of cream cheese , well softened 480 g (4 cups) of icing sugar The zest of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
Preparing the oven and the mold Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Prepare a 12-muffin tin. Mixing the dry ingredients Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest in a bowl. Mixing of liquid ingredients Whisk together the eggs, milk, oil (or butter), vanilla and lemon juice in another bowl. Assembling the dough Incorporate the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, without overmixing. Distribute the dough into the cavities, about 3/4 full. Cooking Cook for 18 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness after 18 minutes using a toothpick. Allow to cool slightly before unmolding. Preparing the lemon cream Using a mixer , whisk the butter and cream cheese for 2 to 3 minutes , until very smooth and creamy. Add the icing sugar one cup at a time , beating well between each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Beat for another 1 to 2 minutes to obtain a firm, smooth and airy cream.

Instructions

Preparing the oven and the mold
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Prepare a 12-muffin tin.
Mixing the dry ingredients
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest in a bowl.
Mixing of liquid ingredients
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, oil (or butter), vanilla and lemon juice in another bowl.
Assembling the dough
- Incorporate the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, without overmixing.
- Distribute the dough into the cavities, about 3/4 full.
Cooking
- Cook for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Check for doneness after 18 minutes using a toothpick.
- Allow to cool slightly before unmolding.
Preparing the lemon cream
- Using a mixer , whisk the butter and cream cheese for 2 to 3 minutes , until very smooth and creamy.
- Add the icing sugar one cup at a time , beating well between each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla.
- Beat for another 1 to 2 minutes to obtain a firm, smooth and airy cream.

Tips for moist muffins and frosting that holds its shape

• Mix just enough: stop as soon as the flour is incorporated. Overmixing will result in denser muffins.

• Zest adds flavor without softening the dough (or creaming). To intensify the lemon flavor, add zest before adding more juice.

• Fill the molds ¾ full: this gives a nice shape without overflowing.

• Start cooking at 18 minutes and check: a toothpick should come out clean, with a few crumbs (no dough).

• For creaming, the mixer makes all the difference : smoother, airier texture, better hold.

• If the cream is too soft : 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge, then a final whizz with the mixer.

• Frost only when the muffins are completely cooled , otherwise the frosting will slide off.

Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Quantity
Calories	280 kcal
Proteins	5 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Sugars	18 g
Lipids	12 g
Health rating	7.5/10 Soft, moderately sweet, lovely lemony freshness.

Did you know that?
🧠 The brain naturally associates certain smells with a feeling of mental clarity
✨ Sweet and tangy flavors are often perceived as lighter, even before tasting.
🌿 In many cultures, fresh scents are associated with balance and renewal

Back to Recipes

Lemon vanilla cupcakes

Preparing the oven and the mold

Mixing the dry ingredients

Mixing of liquid ingredients

Assembling the dough

Cooking

Preparing the lemon cream

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