Home Cake Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

by Laura

This recipe for perfect lemon cupcakes with lemon buttercream I found from My Kitchen Cafe via You Got Served who got the recipe from Amy Barker. Amy combined two recipes she got from her friend Nancy (the cake) and the Magnolia Bakery in New York (the frosting). That just shows how a great recipe gets around! The original recipe was a cake, but had instructions for cupcakes. I decided to try it in the cupcake form.

Let me tell you that the name of this cake recipe is absolutely correct. These little cupcakes were lemon perfection. The cake is so tender and moist, it was absolutely mouth watering. I loved the frosting, but must warn you it is very full of lemon flavor. If you are shy of really strong lemon flavors you may want to use a regular cream cheese or buttercream frosting. If you are a fan of lemon bars, then you will totally love this cupcake with the lemon frosting! These little morsel would be perfect to finish off your Easter dinner, you could always make it in regular cake form too. I topped mine off with a strawberry cut in half with the stem left on, but any type of berry will work.

Perfect Lemon Cupcakes | realmomkitchen.com

Here is what you need to make the

Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

  • LEMON CAKE MIX
  • SOUR CREAM
  • WATER
  • OIL
  • EGGS
  • LEMON INSTANT PUDDING MIX
  • BUTTER
  • POWDERED SUGAR
  • FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • LEMON ZEST
  • BERRIES, OPTIONAL
Print
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Perfect Lemon Cupcakes | realmomkitchen.com

Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream


Ingredients

Scale
  • Cake:
  • 1 package lemon cake mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 small package lemon instant pudding
  • Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, very soft
  • 68 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Berries, optional fro garnish

Instructions

  1. Add of the the cake ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Mix with electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes. Use a strong mixer, this batter is thick.
  2. For cupcakes, bake them at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (I was able to get 24 very full cupcakes from the recipe). For regular cake, pour into a greased 9×11 pan or two round pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Don’t over bake or the cake will be too dry! The toothpick test works to check to see if they’re done. Allow to cool.
  3. The original recipe said that the cupcakes will fall after they come out of the oven, but this is normal and to just fill up the indentation with more frosting. I didn’t have this problem at all!
  4. For frosting, place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of sugar, then the juice and the zest. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency (I added 6 cups total). Use and store at room temperature. (Don’t refrigerate and it will last in a covered container for about three days.)
  6. Frost cooled cupcakes with frosting. Garnish with berries, if desired right before serving.
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These are the original pictures from this post. Photo above was updated in May 2013.

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77 comments

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[…] Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream – a great combination of sweet with a little sour. […]

Reply
karen cotton May 6, 2014 - 9:31 pm

Love lemon awesome recipe here thankyou for another great treat. 🙂

Reply
karen cotton May 6, 2014 - 9:31 pm

Love lemon awesome recipe here thankyou for another great treat. 🙂

Reply
Amy April 8, 2014 - 12:05 am

This cannot be called a recipe when you are using packet mixes.

Reply
Amy April 8, 2014 - 12:05 am

This cannot be called a recipe when you are using packet mixes.

Reply
Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream | Cupcake Recipes July 28, 2013 - 2:47 am

[…] By Laura […]

Reply
Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream | Cupcake Recipes July 28, 2013 - 2:47 am

[…] By Laura […]

Reply
Lynda July 5, 2013 - 3:36 pm

I made these using milk instead of water for the cake, as I always do when making a box cake. I also baked at 25 degrees lower. The cupcakes were done on time, and looked perfect, but collapsed shortly after coming out of the oven. I thought maybe it had to do with the milk, but see several comments about the cupcakes falling in the center. Any ideas as to what may cause this? I did the toothpick test and, using that method, they were done…..??

Reply
Lynda July 5, 2013 - 3:36 pm

I made these using milk instead of water for the cake, as I always do when making a box cake. I also baked at 25 degrees lower. The cupcakes were done on time, and looked perfect, but collapsed shortly after coming out of the oven. I thought maybe it had to do with the milk, but see several comments about the cupcakes falling in the center. Any ideas as to what may cause this? I did the toothpick test and, using that method, they were done…..??

Reply
Amy May 11, 2013 - 8:53 pm

Very yummy recipe! Lemon is our favorite. Mine fell too after taken from the oven. I just filled them in with icing. I also used greek yogurt in place of the sour cream and they turned out great!

Reply
Amy May 11, 2013 - 8:53 pm

Very yummy recipe! Lemon is our favorite. Mine fell too after taken from the oven. I just filled them in with icing. I also used greek yogurt in place of the sour cream and they turned out great!

Reply
Becki's Whole Life May 11, 2013 - 8:45 pm

These sound like the perfect cupcake. I love lemon and the mix of sour cream and pudding in the cake sounds so flavorful and moist I bet. Plus lemon buttercream sounds absolutely amazing!

Reply
Becki's Whole Life May 11, 2013 - 8:45 pm

These sound like the perfect cupcake. I love lemon and the mix of sour cream and pudding in the cake sounds so flavorful and moist I bet. Plus lemon buttercream sounds absolutely amazing!

Reply
Easter Dinner Round Up | Real Mom Kitchen March 23, 2013 - 7:17 am

[…] Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream (or just make it as a cake) […]

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Easter Dinner Round Up | Real Mom Kitchen March 23, 2013 - 7:17 am

[…] Perfect Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream (or just make it as a cake) […]

Reply
Tee January 27, 2013 - 3:13 pm

I tried the recipe for the cupcakes and they fell also. I tried them again and a few fell again. but the texture was different the second time. It was more like a cake. I still am not certain what happened with the first batch…they were for a reception, I did a variety of cupcakes and large sheet cake. I was worried about the Lemon ones but they turned out to be the most popular…

Reply
Tee January 27, 2013 - 3:13 pm

I tried the recipe for the cupcakes and they fell also. I tried them again and a few fell again. but the texture was different the second time. It was more like a cake. I still am not certain what happened with the first batch…they were for a reception, I did a variety of cupcakes and large sheet cake. I was worried about the Lemon ones but they turned out to be the most popular…

Reply
Judy January 27, 2012 - 8:39 pm

Yumm, these look really great. Love lemon anything.

Reply
Judy January 27, 2012 - 8:39 pm

Yumm, these look really great. Love lemon anything.

Reply
Tara January 16, 2012 - 8:29 pm

I tried a whole cake without pudding which sunk. My toothpick came out clean but the cake didn’t have a very “cake like” texture.

Reply
Tara January 16, 2012 - 8:29 pm

I tried a whole cake without pudding which sunk. My toothpick came out clean but the cake didn’t have a very “cake like” texture.

Reply
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Pink Lemonade Cupcakes | Real Mom Kitchen May 3, 2011 - 6:15 am

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[…] nest cupcakes from Better Homes and Garden’s website.  I would recommend making them with my perfect lemon cupcakes and the […]

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Brianna February 24, 2011 - 7:19 pm

I have a question. I’ve used this recipe for over a year whenever i need to bring dessert to an event and everyone always LOVES them. i get requests all the time. Since the recipes been such a hit, i’ve made a chocolate variation with chocolate cake mix and pudding and those turned out great as well. Well my friends favorite type of cake is funfetti, so i went out and bought a box of the mix as well as vanilla pudding. I was just going to follow this recipe again with my variations. However, i just noticed that the funfetti box said that there was already pudding added. Should i go ahead and make it with the vanilla pudding or just skip it? Im worried it will come out funny.

Reply
Laura February 24, 2011 - 9:34 pm

You should be fine to use the pudding. I always use the Betty Crocker Cake mixes and they have pudding in them.

Reply
Brianna February 24, 2011 - 7:19 pm

I have a question. I’ve used this recipe for over a year whenever i need to bring dessert to an event and everyone always LOVES them. i get requests all the time. Since the recipes been such a hit, i’ve made a chocolate variation with chocolate cake mix and pudding and those turned out great as well. Well my friends favorite type of cake is funfetti, so i went out and bought a box of the mix as well as vanilla pudding. I was just going to follow this recipe again with my variations. However, i just noticed that the funfetti box said that there was already pudding added. Should i go ahead and make it with the vanilla pudding or just skip it? Im worried it will come out funny.

Reply
Laura February 24, 2011 - 9:34 pm

You should be fine to use the pudding. I always use the Betty Crocker Cake mixes and they have pudding in them.

Reply
Wherein I learn my lesson… Maybe. « k8et’s ramblings September 2, 2010 - 2:27 pm

[…] certainly hope to be able to recreate these tonight, but anyone whose birthday is tomorrow should not click that link, shut the hell up & […]

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Wherein I learn my lesson… Maybe. « k8et’s ramblings September 2, 2010 - 2:27 pm

[…] certainly hope to be able to recreate these tonight, but anyone whose birthday is tomorrow should not click that link, shut the hell up & […]

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Stephanie May 17, 2010 - 2:23 pm

How moist and yummy! Great recipe. And, just a side note – I was going way fast when I made these and I accidentally grabbed a large box of cook n’serve pudding instead of a small box of instant pudding – well, it still worked! 🙂 So, if anyone else makes that mistake, it’s okay! 🙂

Reply
Stephanie May 17, 2010 - 2:23 pm

How moist and yummy! Great recipe. And, just a side note – I was going way fast when I made these and I accidentally grabbed a large box of cook n’serve pudding instead of a small box of instant pudding – well, it still worked! 🙂 So, if anyone else makes that mistake, it’s okay! 🙂

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Maria March 30, 2010 - 4:01 pm

Love it when great things start with a mix. (not so threatening for my ability)

Reply
Maria March 30, 2010 - 4:01 pm

Love it when great things start with a mix. (not so threatening for my ability)

Reply
Hannah March 9, 2010 - 12:27 pm

I make these cupcakes this past weekend and they were a hit! Everyone loved them! They are so refreshing! Even my friends who hate sweets ate 2 or 3! Def making them again soon!

Reply
Hannah March 9, 2010 - 12:27 pm

I make these cupcakes this past weekend and they were a hit! Everyone loved them! They are so refreshing! Even my friends who hate sweets ate 2 or 3! Def making them again soon!

Reply
Kathy February 28, 2010 - 7:43 am

I made these cupcakes because the host of the annual friendly chili cookoff loves lemon. They were such a hit that I’m sending the recipe to all of my friends. The cupcakes did collapse but that was fine it just meant more frosting. The cupcakes that I left in for less than a minute longer did not collapse and were not dry. Instead of cream cheese frosting I made a 7 minute frosting that I grated lemon zest just before I frosted the cupcakes. I also topped the cupcakes with zest. I didn’t use the cream cheese frosting only because I was also making carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Reply
Kathy February 28, 2010 - 7:43 am

I made these cupcakes because the host of the annual friendly chili cookoff loves lemon. They were such a hit that I’m sending the recipe to all of my friends. The cupcakes did collapse but that was fine it just meant more frosting. The cupcakes that I left in for less than a minute longer did not collapse and were not dry. Instead of cream cheese frosting I made a 7 minute frosting that I grated lemon zest just before I frosted the cupcakes. I also topped the cupcakes with zest. I didn’t use the cream cheese frosting only because I was also making carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Reply
Rebecca February 17, 2010 - 11:06 pm

I made the cupcakes and cake tonight. The cake collapsed in the middle. The middle is two inches lower than the sides! However, both cupcakes and cake still taste wonderful. I love this recipe, and I recommend the cupcake version over the cake version.

Reply
Rebecca February 17, 2010 - 11:06 pm

I made the cupcakes and cake tonight. The cake collapsed in the middle. The middle is two inches lower than the sides! However, both cupcakes and cake still taste wonderful. I love this recipe, and I recommend the cupcake version over the cake version.

Reply
angeeelay July 14, 2009 - 9:27 pm

these cupcakes are ridiculously good! i made them for my birthday.. we'll see what the coworkers think! thanks for sharing the recipe!

Reply
angeeelay July 14, 2009 - 9:27 pm

these cupcakes are ridiculously good! i made them for my birthday.. we'll see what the coworkers think! thanks for sharing the recipe!

Reply
womenofcaliber April 21, 2009 - 2:17 pm

These look absolutely perfect! Delicious!

https://womenofcaliber.wordpress.com

Reply
womenofcaliber April 21, 2009 - 2:17 pm

These look absolutely perfect! Delicious!

https://womenofcaliber.wordpress.com

Reply
Kirsten April 18, 2009 - 7:26 pm

Wow these cupcakes are amazing!!! I made them for easter and they were a huget hit. I have to shamefully admit I ate way too many of them. Great recipe!

Reply
Kirsten April 18, 2009 - 7:26 pm

Wow these cupcakes are amazing!!! I made them for easter and they were a huget hit. I have to shamefully admit I ate way too many of them. Great recipe!

Reply
Kirsten April 18, 2009 - 7:24 pm

Oh my goodness these cupcakes are amazing. I made these for easter and they were a huge hit. My only negative is that I wish I sent them home with my mother so there weren’t so many left over for me to eat the next day, HA! Seriously though, great recipe.

Reply
Kirsten April 18, 2009 - 7:24 pm

Oh my goodness these cupcakes are amazing. I made these for easter and they were a huge hit. My only negative is that I wish I sent them home with my mother so there weren’t so many left over for me to eat the next day, HA! Seriously though, great recipe.

Reply
HealthyLifeInfo April 15, 2009 - 11:01 am

I made this recipe into a regular cake (Not enough cupcake pans) this weekend and have to thank you for such a wonderful recipe! The frosting was light and fluffy and tangy! It was the perfect balance to the dense, moist cake.

It was a hit with my fammily and neighbors!

Reply
HealthyLifeInfo April 15, 2009 - 11:01 am

I made this recipe into a regular cake (Not enough cupcake pans) this weekend and have to thank you for such a wonderful recipe! The frosting was light and fluffy and tangy! It was the perfect balance to the dense, moist cake.

It was a hit with my fammily and neighbors!

Reply
Tiffany April 12, 2009 - 5:54 pm

I love lemon. It tastes so spring-like and refreshing. Those look so good. Your photo is really good!

Reply
Tiffany April 12, 2009 - 5:54 pm

I love lemon. It tastes so spring-like and refreshing. Those look so good. Your photo is really good!

Reply
finsmom April 11, 2009 - 1:07 pm

What a perfect spring dessert!
Looks lovely!

Thanks for sharing!

Reply
finsmom April 11, 2009 - 1:07 pm

What a perfect spring dessert!
Looks lovely!

Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Ninette April 11, 2009 - 8:19 am

I’m not a baker, but these looked so pretty, I had to click on your entry on tastespotting. I was glad to see regular cake mix used, so maybe I could do this! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Ninette April 11, 2009 - 8:19 am

I’m not a baker, but these looked so pretty, I had to click on your entry on tastespotting. I was glad to see regular cake mix used, so maybe I could do this! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Kim April 10, 2009 - 7:06 pm

I made the cupcake part of this recipe yesterday. I used a strawberry cake mix and vanilla pudding and I added about a cup of milk chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Then I topped them with a cream cheese frosting. They were way good. Mine did fall when I took them out of the oven.

Reply
Kim April 10, 2009 - 7:06 pm

I made the cupcake part of this recipe yesterday. I used a strawberry cake mix and vanilla pudding and I added about a cup of milk chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Then I topped them with a cream cheese frosting. They were way good. Mine did fall when I took them out of the oven.

Reply
Laura P. April 9, 2009 - 4:35 pm

just wanted to tell you that your cupcakes look beautiful!

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Laura P. April 9, 2009 - 4:35 pm

just wanted to tell you that your cupcakes look beautiful!

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Heather April 9, 2009 - 12:35 pm

Those look so yummy! I love lemon with strawberry, fantastic!

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Heather April 9, 2009 - 12:35 pm

Those look so yummy! I love lemon with strawberry, fantastic!

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Sara April 9, 2009 - 12:03 pm

These cupcakes look beautiful! I love lemon cake, it’s one of my favorites.

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Sara April 9, 2009 - 12:03 pm

These cupcakes look beautiful! I love lemon cake, it’s one of my favorites.

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Kara April 9, 2009 - 8:01 am

Your cupcakes look just beautiful! They sound yummy too-perfect for spring.

Reply
Kara April 9, 2009 - 8:01 am

Your cupcakes look just beautiful! They sound yummy too-perfect for spring.

Reply
Jessica April 9, 2009 - 7:50 am

These really do look perfect, and the picture of spring!

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Jessica April 9, 2009 - 7:50 am

These really do look perfect, and the picture of spring!

Reply
The Bentley Family April 9, 2009 - 7:47 am

I still have this on my list to try. Your cupcakes are so cute. I love what you did with them.

Reply
The Bentley Family April 9, 2009 - 7:47 am

I still have this on my list to try. Your cupcakes are so cute. I love what you did with them.

Reply
Melanie April 9, 2009 - 7:43 am

Laura, your pictures are amazing! I love the strawberry garnish. I’m glad you liked this recipe!

Reply
Melanie April 9, 2009 - 7:43 am

Laura, your pictures are amazing! I love the strawberry garnish. I’m glad you liked this recipe!

Reply

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