Summer Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

[bubblebubba]

Am I the only one who not only does not want autumn to come, but would happily embrace summer (and all its fruity, sunshiney glory) the whole year round?



There have been so many pumpkin recipes popping up around Pininterest lately that these cupcakes needed to happen. If you're a summer-clinger like me, you'll want to try these zesty, perfectly moist lemon blueberry cupcakes. Do it for the spirit of summer! Do you prefer summer or fall treats? See the recipe (and leave your vote!) at my blog.

Go, August, go!


Summery Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemony Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (I used the zest from one HUGE lemon)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons (or more) lemon juice, depending on taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes with vigorous beating by hand.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated.
5. Add lemon zest, milk, and lemon juice. Stir in slowly until well combined (note: make sure not to stir vigorously, though-doing so will toughen up the gluten and create a much tougher cupcake). Fold in fresh blueberries.
6. Line muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and fill each liner 3/4 way with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Meanwhile, make lemon frosting (recipe below).
7. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely before frosting. Top with blueberries if desired. Then sit back, take a bite, and enjoy your gorgeous summer!

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, as needed

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Mix in sugar (you may need more or less, as desired). Gradually add vanilla and lemon juice, stirring until you reach the desired consistency. You may not need all of the lemon juice. Frost your cupcakes and delight your summer guests!