Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Indulge in these lemon poppy seed cupcakes, featuring a moist lemony base filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with a light lemon cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and zesty flavor, these cupcakes are a refreshing treat for any occasion!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredient you need
• How To Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage
• Variations & Substitutions
• Recipe Questions
• More Cupcake Recipes
• Lemon Curd Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Treat yourself to these lemon poppy seed cupcakes, which are just as heavenly as my lemon mascarpone cupcakes or these lemon meringue cupcakes and are sure to delight any lemon lovers! 🍋

Featuring a moist and flavorful lemon cupcake base generously speckled with poppy seeds, a decadent lemon curd filling center that adds a burst of citrusy goodness, and a velvety-smooth frosting infused with the refreshing zest of lemon.

What's more, this delightful frosting is made using my signature butter-free cream cheese frosting recipe, ensuring a light and creamy texture that perfectly complements the zesty flavors of the cupcakes.

Lemon poppy seed cupcakes are a delightful harmony of flavors, combining the sweetness of the cake with a fresh citrus flavor. With every bite, they create a delicious sensation that tantalizes the taste buds.

Craving for more lemon poppy seed recipes? Give these a try : Lemon poppy seed pound cake, lemon poppy seed muffins.

Ingredient you need

You need these ingredients to make this lemon and poppy seed cupcakes:

• Lemon Cupcakes: My favorite vanilla cupcake recipe is made with cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seed, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, room-temperature eggs, fresh lemon juice with fresh lemon zest, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Lemon Curd Filling: Made from whole eggs, fresh lemon juice and zest (or bottled lemon juice), granulated sugar, unsalted butter or a store-bought lemon curd or any citrus marmalade.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Made with Philadelphia cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and flavored with lemon curd.

How To Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember, the full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the main recipe card below!

Step 1: Cream the butter with the granulated sugar and lemon zest using an electric mixer, then add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix again to incorporate.

Step 2: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture —flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds—alternating with the mixture of milk and lemon juice.

Step 3: Pour the cupcake batter into a muffin tin lined with baking cups, filling each cup ¾ full. Bake the lemon cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 18 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan or double boiler until thickened.

Step 5: Remove from heat, add the cold butter pieces, and incorporate them. Let the lemon curd cool before using it to fill the inside of the cupcakes.

Step 6: In a bowl, place the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon curd, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Put the lemon cream cheese frosting in a piping bag and decorate the tops of the lemon cupcakes. Add a bit of lemon curd to the center of the frosting and sprinkle with poppy seeds for decoration.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store lemon poppyseed cupcakes in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

Recipe Questions

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for fresh lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice tends to provide a more vibrant and authentic lemon flavor.

Can I omit the poppy seeds?

While poppy seeds add a unique texture and visual appeal to these cupcakes, you can certainly omit them if you prefer. The cupcakes will still have a delicious lemon flavor without them.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd if you're short on time or prefer the convenience. However, homemade lemon curd often has a fresher flavor and smoother texture.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! While the lemon cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, you can get creative and use your favorite frosting. A simple vanilla buttercream or a lemon glaze would also complement the flavors nicely.

More Cupcake Recipes

I hope you love these lemon poppy seed cupcakes. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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