Zesty Lemon Poppy Cupcakes Recipe: Bright Bites of Joy

Soft, tender cupcakes with zesty lemon poppy seed magic dance on your taste buds, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Bright citrus notes weave through each delicate bite, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy flavor.

These sunshine-inspired treats burst with fresh lemon essence and delicate poppy seed specks.

Bakers adore this simple yet elegant recipe that comes together in mere minutes.

Light and fluffy, these cupcakes deliver a sophisticated dessert experience that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Rich buttercream frosting crowns each cake with a luxurious finish.

You’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone who appreciates a classic, delectable dessert.

What’s Irresistible About Filled Lemon Treats

• Burst with Flavor: Tangy lemon curd and creamy frosting create an explosion of zesty, sweet taste that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for home bakers looking to level up their pastry-making techniques with professional-looking cupcakes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impressive treat that works wonderfully for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, or special celebrations with friends and family.
• Customizable Delight: Easy to adapt with different garnishes or adjust lemon intensity to match personal preferences, making it a versatile dessert option.

Filled Lemon Treats – Ingredients Guide

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
• Oil: Contributes to moisture and softness of the baked treats.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cupcakes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Gives a bright, citrusy flavor to the cupcakes.

• Poppy Seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and visual interest to the cupcakes.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a complementary flavor to the lemon cupcakes.

How to Make Filled Lemon Treats the Simple Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This sets the perfect stage for your delightful cupcake adventure.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well-blended and looking smooth.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

• Butter
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar

Beat these until they transform into a fluffy, light mixture.

Crack in your eggs one at a time, then pour in milk, fresh lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest.

Mix until everything looks harmonious.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Gently fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Sprinkle in poppy seeds and stir just until everything is combined.

Don’t overmix – you want your cupcakes tender and light.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into cupcake tins.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes.

They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden.

Step 6: Craft Luscious Lemon Curd

• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon juice

Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

The curd will thicken and become glossy.

Step 7: Chill the Curd

Transfer the lemon curd to a container and refrigerate for 2 hours.

This helps it set and intensifies the flavor.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Beat until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Mix until you have a dreamy, spreadable frosting.

Step 9: Assemble Cupcake Masterpieces

Once cupcakes are completely cool, core the center of each one.

Fill the centers with the chilled lemon curd.

Pipe frosting around the edges in beautiful rings.

Add an extra dollop of lemon curd in the center and sprinkle with poppy seeds for a stunning finish.

Lemon Treat Tips for a Tangy Bite

• Grate lemon zest before juicing to maximize flavor and prevent drying out the fruit.
• Temper eggs slowly when making lemon curd by adding hot liquid gradually to avoid scrambling.
• Insert a toothpick into cupcake centers; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Use a small round cutter or apple corer to create consistent cupcake centers for even lemon curd distribution.
• Allow lemon curd to cool completely before filling cupcakes to maintain proper texture and prevent soggy bottoms.

Variations to Make Filled Lemon Treats Unique

• Gluten-Free Citrus Treats: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the same zesty lemon flavor.
• Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut cream instead of milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calories while keeping the bright lemon essence intact.
• Tropical Passion Variation: Replace lemon with lime or passion fruit juice for a different citrusy profile that adds an exotic touch to the original recipe.

Serving Filled Lemon Treats With Style

• Sunshine Brunch Companion: Pair these zesty lemon cupcakes with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these delicate cupcakes on a tiered platter alongside classic cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Summer Gathering Delight: Arrange cupcakes on a colorful platter with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves, perfect for backyard parties or picnic spreads.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package individual cupcakes in clear gift boxes tied with a pastel ribbon, creating a charming homemade present for friends and family.

How to Keep Filled Lemon Treats Fresh

• Store filled lemon treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the creamy lemon curd and prevents frosting from melting.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cupcakes stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep extra lemon curd in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use a clean spoon each time to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
• Remove cupcakes from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature, enhancing their flavor and soft texture.

FAQs

• What are poppy seeds and why are they used in this recipe?

Poppy seeds are tiny, edible seeds from the poppy flower that add a delicate crunch and subtle nutty flavor to baked goods. In this recipe, they provide texture and a light, interesting contrast to the smooth lemon cupcakes.

• How do I know when the lemon curd is ready?

The lemon curd is ready when it reaches 170F and thickens to a custard-like consistency. When you stir, it should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it.

• Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon curd up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it in the cupcakes.

Lemon Poppy Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon poppy cupcakes dance with bright citrus notes and delicate crunch, bringing Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert plate. Delightful crumb and tangy glaze invite sweet moments of pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (159g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons (7g) poppy seeds

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (10g) lemon zest
• 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons (30g) lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to eliminate lumps and create a uniform dry mixture.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until light and airy, using an electric mixer at medium speed for about 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then gently blend in milk, fresh lemon juice, and zest until well combined.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, carefully mixing until just incorporated, then gently stir in poppy seeds to distribute evenly.
6. Distribute batter into cupcake tins, filling each approximately two-thirds full, and bake for 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. For lemon curd, combine butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice in a saucepan, whisking continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches 170°F.
8. Transfer lemon curd to a clean container and refrigerate for 2 hours to set and develop a rich, smooth consistency.
9. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
10. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife to create a core in each, then fill with chilled lemon curd.
11. Pipe cream cheese frosting around the edges of each cupcake, creating elegant rings, and add a dollop of lemon curd in the center.
12. Garnish with a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a final decorative touch and textural contrast.

Notes

• Measure ingredients precisely for consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest to enhance the bright, citrusy profile of the treats.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a lighter, more tender cupcake crumb.
• Chill lemon curd completely before filling to prevent runny centers and maintain structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 39g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg