STRAWBERRY LEMON CUPCAKES

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes are a delightful blend of fresh, zesty lemon and sweet strawberries, creating a light, fruity dessert perfect for spring and summer. These cupcakes have a moist, fluffy texture with bright lemon flavor in every bite, complemented by juicy strawberries folded into the batter. Topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart. These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, picnics, or any occasion when you want a fresh and flavorful treat.

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the lemon cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
5. Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, beating until fluffy and well combined.
7. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the lemon cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

These Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a refreshing and delicious treat for any occasion!