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Lemon Lavender Cupcakes Recipe

4.8 from 82 reviews

Delightful Lemon Lavender Cupcakes featuring a tender, fluffy crumb infused with fragrant lavender buds and zesty lemon. Topped with a smooth lemon buttercream frosting accented with fresh lavender blossoms, these cupcakes offer a beautiful blend of floral and citrus flavors perfect for spring gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons dried lavender buds
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest your lemon before juicing it!)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

  • 12 tablespoons (¾ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 45 cups powdered confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Fresh or dried lavender buds for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and dried lavender buds. Set aside to incorporate the flavors throughout the cupcakes.
  3. Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes several minutes. Then beat in the egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients gradually: Add about one-third of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula to avoid overmixing. Next, add half of the milk and blend until combined. Repeat by adding another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, and finally the last portion of dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Fill cupcake liners and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare lemon buttercream frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 tablespoons of vegetable shortening until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered confectioners sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once 4 cups have been incorporated, add the vanilla extract, milk or heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency; add the remaining powdered sugar if you prefer a stiffer texture.
  7. Frost cupcakes and decorate: Fill a piping bag with the prepared lemon buttercream and pipe it onto the cooled cupcakes in decorative swirls. Finish by sprinkling fresh or dried lavender buds on top of the frosting, which will stick as the frosting sets. Serve and enjoy these elegant, flavorful cupcakes.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to ensure tender cupcakes.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can adjust the amount of lavender to suit your preference; start with the suggested amount as it can be quite fragrant.
  • If fresh lavender is unavailable, dried lavender buds are a great alternative for both baking and decoration.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to achieve the best mixing results and cupcake texture.

Keywords: lemon lavender cupcakes, lemon cupcakes, lavender cupcakes, floral cupcakes, lemon buttercream frosting, spring desserts, homemade cupcakes