It has been a long, cold, dark winter but finally, finally it looks like spring has arrived to DC. Spring has not arrived willingly this year but we are so glad it has made an appearance and hope it will stay awhile.
And with it's arrive I present to you the very yummy Lemon Poppyseed Cupcakes. Can anyone think of a more appropriate way to usher in the warm breezes, blue skies, and blooming flowers? I think not!
Lemon Poppyseed Cupcakes
Recipe from Indian Simmer
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
zest and juice of one meyer lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup poppy seeds
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 cupcake tins with paper or silicone liners.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a small bowl.
- In bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about five minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring they are completely incorporated before continuing to the next one.
- Mix in the zest, lemon juice and vanilla.
- Add flour and buttermilk to batter in two separate additions, beating completely between additions.
- Fold in poppyseeds.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 of the way to the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating half way through baking time.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Adapted from Sweet Pea's Kitchen
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
To make the cream frosting:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Place frosting into a large decorators decorating bag fitted with the 1M decorating tip and approximately 1/4″ above cupcake top at a 90° angle to cupcake surface, pipe a spiral of icing, beginning at the outer edge and working inward.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature before serving.
