Description
Delight in these zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes topped with a luscious Blackberry Frosting. Perfectly moist cupcakes infused with fresh lemon zest and crunchy poppy seeds are complemented by a creamy, sweet, and tangy blackberry frosting that adds a burst of fruity flavor. An ideal treat for spring gatherings, afternoon teas, or a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup whole milk
Blackberry Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (mashed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the milk to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Blackberry Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mashed fresh blackberries until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Adjust consistency as needed with a little powdered sugar or milk.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost each cupcake with the blackberry frosting. Optionally, garnish with whole blackberries for an extra touch of elegance and freshness.
Notes
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency and rise.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Fresh blackberries can be substituted with frozen ones; just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before mashing.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.