Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200g) fine granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
1/4 cup + 1tbsp (75ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
zest of 3 lemons
For the lemon strawberry frosting:
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
3 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup (120g) strawberry preserves
Instructions
To make the cupcakes:
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Preheat the oven to 170C/350F. Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper cups, set aside.
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In a large bowl, using the paddle attachment or handheld mixer beat the butter and sugar together on medium high speed until pale and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl to combine. Add the dry to the wet ingredients and beat on the lowest speed until just combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
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Add the buttermilk, lemon juice and zest, beat on low until just combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until they are springy and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool in tin for 5 mins then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting:
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Place a large piping bag with a large open star tip (or ziplock bag) into a large glass, with the top of the bag folded over.
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Using a hand spatula or paddle attachment (electric mixer), beat the butter at a medium-high speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
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Add the sugar and beat at a low speed until combined. Add the cream, vanilla, salt, lemon juice and zest and beat at medium-high until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
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Add the strawberry preserves to thes frosting and beat for another minute until all combined.
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Spoon the frosting into the prepared piping bag. Pipe onto the cupcakes in swirls. Enjoy!
*recipe modified from this source.