I love making these raspberry lemon cupcakes when I want a bright, fruity dessert that feels light and refreshing. The combination of sweet raspberries and zesty lemon creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how these cupcakes bring together fresh and vibrant flavors. They are soft, moist, and full of citrusy brightness. I also like how they look beautiful and are perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries
For the frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a cupcake pan with liners.
In a bowl, I mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, I cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
I stir in milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Then I gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. I gently fold in the raspberries.
I divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners and bake for about 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. I let them cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, I mix butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and creamy, then spread or pipe it onto the cupcakes.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 12 cupcakes from this recipe.
Preparation time takes around 15 minutes, and baking time is 18–22 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes use frozen raspberries when fresh ones aren’t available. When I want extra flavor, I add a raspberry filling inside the cupcakes. I also like experimenting with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
storage/reheating
I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
I can use frozen raspberries, but I don’t thaw them to avoid excess moisture.
How do I keep cupcakes moist?
I make sure not to overbake and store them properly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I often bake them a day in advance and frost before serving.
What frosting works best?
I like lemon buttercream, but cream cheese frosting also works well.
Can I make them gluten-free?
I can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
Conclusion
I find these raspberry lemon cupcakes to be a delightful and refreshing dessert. They are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion when I want something bright and sweet.
Print
Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and moist raspberry lemon cupcakes bursting with fresh citrus flavor and juicy berries, topped with a smooth and tangy lemon buttercream frosting—perfect for celebrations or a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the raspberries.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and serve.
Notes
- Use frozen raspberries without thawing to prevent excess moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Do not overbake to maintain moisture.
- For extra flavor, add a raspberry filling inside the cupcakes.
- Cream cheese frosting can be used for a tangier variation.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
