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As the sun peeks through the clouds and the flowers begin to bloom, I find myself craving something bright and cheerful to celebrate spring. That’s when I discovered the irresistible combination of lemon and raspberry, a duo that dances on your taste buds with every delightful bite. Imagine soft, fluffy cupcakes brimming with zesty lemon curd, each one lovingly topped with a creamy, sweet-tart raspberry buttercream frosting. These Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd are not only a feast for the eyes but also a showstopper at any gathering—be it a bridal shower, Mother’s Day brunch, or simply a treat to perk up your day! With a burst of flavor packed into each moist bite, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. Ready to brighten your dessert table? Let’s whip up these delightful treats together!

Why are Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd so irresistible?

Bursting with Flavor: Each cupcake is a delightful explosion of zesty lemon and sweet raspberry that truly celebrates spring.

Visually Stunning: With their vibrant colors and elegant frosting, these cupcakes aren’t just delicious—they’re beautiful, making them a showstopper for any occasion.

Simple Yet Sophisticated: The steps are straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs looking for a fun weekend project.

Versatile Sweetness: They are ideal for various celebrations, from bridal showers to casual family gatherings, ensuring they’ll be a hit with everyone.

Quick and Easy: Whip these up in no time, saving you precious moments for enjoying life and sharing with loved ones.

For more delightful dessert ideas, check out our collection of Springtime Treats.

Lemon Raspberry Cupcake Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

Cake Flour – Provides a soft, tender structure; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser cupcake.
Lemon Zest – Adds a bold lemon flavor; freshly grated zest delivers the best results.
Vegetable Oil – Increases moisture, resulting in a softer texture for your Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes.
Lemon Extract – Enhances the lemon flavor without adding extra liquid to your batter.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter while also aiding in a light and fluffy texture.
Egg & Egg Yolk – Adds richness and assists with leavening for lighter cupcakes.
Whole Milk – Contributes moisture for a soft crumb; try buttermilk for a slight tang.

For the Filling

Lemon Curd – Tart and delicious; use homemade or store-bought for a burst of lemon flavor in your cupcakes.

For the Frosting

Freeze-Dried Raspberries – Provides natural raspberry flavor and color; substitute with fresh raspberries or puree while adjusting sugar.
Butter – Adds creaminess in the frosting; be sure to use room temperature butter for the best mixing.

Optional Garnish

Fresh Raspberries – Use for a pop of color and added flavor on top of your cupcakes.
Edible Flowers – Incorporate these for an elegant touch, making your cupcakes even more visually stunning!

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with your favorite cupcake liners, ensuring they’re ready to hold the delightful batter.
Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar with lemon zest, creaming them with softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and lemon extract, mixing well. Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk until everything is just combined—don’t over-mix!
Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and spring back when lightly touched. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan.
Make Frosting: Grind the freeze-dried raspberries into a fine powder. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, and then fold in the raspberry powder for a vibrant flavor.
Assemble Cupcakes: Use an apple corer or cupcake corer to remove the center from each cupcake. Fill a piping bag with lemon curd and pipe it into the hollowed center of each cupcake. Finally, frost the tops generously using your favorite piping tip. For the finishing touch, feel free to garnish with fresh raspberries and edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Optional: Drizzle with extra lemon curd for an even more luxurious treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd?

Indulging in a sweet treat is an experience to remember, especially when it’s bright and zesty!

Refreshing Iced Tea: The subtle sweetness and minty freshness of iced tea balance the rich flavors of the cupcakes, keeping every bite delightful and light.
Lemon Curd Parfaits: Layering lemon curd with yogurt and fresh berries creates a visually stunning, tangy counterpart to the cupcakes—a perfect pairing for lovers of citrus. Each bite will harmoniously echo the flavors of the cupcakes.
Sparkling Lemonade: Sparkling lemonade’s effervescence perfectly complements the tartness, making it a bubbly addition to your dessert table, and a kid-friendly drink that adults will enjoy, too!
Raspberry Sorbet: This light and fruity dessert adds a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of rich frosting while still celebrating the ruby red raspberry notes.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The luscious sweetness of chocolate paired with a tart strawberry creates a decadent option that adds depth to your dessert spread, complementing the tangy lemon and raspberry flavors beautifully.
Fruit-Covered Cheesecake Bites: A bite-sized treat that marries the smooth texture of cheesecake with fruit toppings. They are a rich counterpart to the airy cupcakes, making for a delightful contrast in every bite.
Pistachio Cookies: Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture provide an interesting contrast to the soft, fluffy cupcakes while adding an unexpected twist to your dessert table.
Herbal Infused Water: For a light and refreshing hydration option, add herbs like mint or basil to your water. The subtle flavors offer a refreshing backdrop that keeps the focus on your sweet treats.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy texture and rich flavor of vanilla ice cream serve as a perfect companion, melting slightly with each luscious bite of your Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes.

Expert Tips for Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter and a lighter cupcake.
Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added to your batter, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to dense Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes.
Even Baking: Rotate your cupcake pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution. This prevents unevenly baked cupcakes that can cause sinking in the middle.
Cooling Time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes can result in melting and a soggy texture—definitely a common mistake to avoid!
Creative Fillings: Feel free to try different curds or add fruit preserves for a twist on your lemon raspberry cupcakes. It’s an easy way to customize and surprise your guests!

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Variations

These luscious cupcakes can easily be customized to match your taste buds and dietary needs!

Citrus Curd: Swap out lemon curd for orange or lime curd for a tropical twist. Each citrus brings a unique brightness to the filling.
Berry Bliss: Replace freeze-dried raspberries with freeze-dried strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile that’s equally delightful and fun!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of cake flour for a gluten-free version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use almond or coconut milk alongside plant-based butter to create a delicious vegan cupcake.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted cupcakes. The combination of chocolate and lemon is simply divine!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger into the frosting for a surprising touch of heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the raspberry buttercream for a tangy cream cheese frosting to create a rich and creamy version that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon filling.
Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the cupcake batter for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the lemon and raspberry beautifully.

Feel free to mix and match these variations for endless possibilities that make each batch uniquely yours!

Storage Tips for Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd

Room Temperature: Enjoy the cupcakes at room temperature for optimal flavor; however, they can stay out for up to 2 hours if serving at a gathering.
Fridge: Store the filled and frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating: For a warm treat, gently reheat cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will elevate the soft texture without altering the delightful flavors of your lemon raspberry cupcakes.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd are fantastic for meal prep, making them an ideal choice for busy home cooks! You can bake and freeze the cupcake bases up to 3 days in advance, ensuring they stay super fresh wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The lemon curd can also be prepared up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cupcakes at room temperature for about 1 hour, fill them with chilled lemon curd, and frost with raspberry buttercream. This way, you can enjoy delicious, show-stopping cupcakes with minimal last-minute effort, allowing you more time to celebrate with loved ones.

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Curd Recipe FAQs

What type of cake flour should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using a high-quality cake flour, as it provides the soft and tender structure that these cupcakes demand. If you can’t find cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that your cupcakes may be slightly denser. For best results, try to stick with cake flour for that perfect fluffy texture!

How should I store my Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes?
To keep your filled and frosted cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find it best to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this truly enhances their flavor and texture. If you happen to have any leftover, remember to allow them to warm a bit—it makes all the difference!

Can I freeze the Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes?
Yes, you can! To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, simply wrap each one securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as desired. It’s a fantastic way to have a sweet treat on hand without any hassle!

What if my cupcakes sink in the middle after baking?
If your cupcakes sink, it usually means they were either underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Be sure to check for doneness by lightly poking the tops; they should spring back if fully baked. Additionally, it’s essential to mix the batter only until just combined after adding the flour. This avoids overdeveloping gluten, which can lead to sinking!

Are the ingredients safe for those with allergies?
Always check for potential allergens before baking. These Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes contain eggs, dairy, and gluten (in the flour). For those with egg allergies, you can use flax eggs as a substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg). Adjust other ingredients as needed to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicious cupcakes safely!

Can I use a different filling besides lemon curd?
Very much! Feel free to experiment with different fruit curds like passion fruit or orange for a refreshing twist. You could also use fruit preserves for another layer of flavor, making these cupcakes a delightful surprise whether it’s a typical afternoon or a special occasion!