These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberry and citrus flavors! Topped with a creamy lemon frosting, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them ideal for spring, summer, or any time you crave a refreshing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & fluffy – A light, tender crumb with juicy blueberries in every bite.
- Bright & tangy – Fresh lemon juice and zest add a citrusy zing.
- Perfectly sweet – Just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment required!
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, birthdays, or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking)
For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra blueberries
- Lemon zest curls
- Sprinkles
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in blueberries.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Add lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
Step 5: Frost & Serve
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with extra blueberries and lemon zest.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based butter and milk.
- Extra Moist Cupcakes – Add ¼ cup sour cream.
- Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Toss with flour and add them frozen to prevent color bleeding.
How do I make the cupcakes extra fluffy?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?
Yes! Use ½ tsp lemon extract per 1 tbsp lemon juice.
What’s the best way to pipe frosting?
Use a large star tip for a bakery-style swirl.
Can I make mini cupcakes?
Yes! Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F.
How do I prevent my cupcakes from being dry?
Measure flour correctly and don’t overbake.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost before serving.
How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?
Toss them in flour before folding into the batter.
What pairs well with these cupcakes?
Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee!
Can I make this recipe as a cake?
Yes! Bake in an 8-inch cake pan for 30-35 minutes.
Conclusion
These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy freshness. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just because, these cupcakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy every zesty, berry-filled bite!
Print
Mouthwatering Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor and juicy blueberries! Topped with a smooth lemon cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for spring, summer, or any occasion that calls for a bright and refreshing dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (adds extra brightness!)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw!)
- 1 tbsp flour (to coat blueberries and prevent sinking!)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
- Toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour (to prevent sinking).
- Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
- Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full with batter.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
Step 6: Frost & Serve
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with extra blueberries, lemon zest, or a lemon slice.
- Serve & enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- With Tea or Coffee: A perfect afternoon treat!
- For a Brunch Spread: Serve alongside fruit salad and pastries.
- For a Special Occasion: Add edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar!
Notes
- Want them extra moist? Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for the milk.
- Make them gluten-free! Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- More lemon flavor? Add ½ tsp lemon extract to the batter.
- Lighter frosting? Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting.