Discover Our Homemade Lemon Curd

We recently dedicated an entire blog post to our homemade lemon curd, and rightly so! This tangy delight is a key component of our Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes. If you’ve never attempted to make lemon curd at home, rest assured it’s surprisingly simple. While combining eggs and lemon juice might seem unconventional, with a bit of whisking, you’ll end up with a luscious, smooth curd. The tartness of the lemon curd makes it the ideal companion to the sweet vanilla cake and creamy buttercream frosting in this recipe. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

The Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Combination

Why lemon and poppy seed together, you may ask? This delightful pairing is most commonly seen in muffin form, especially in many American bakeries. However, we wanted to elevate it further by integrating our tangy lemon curd, which requires a sweet balance. We devised a harmonious trio: airy vanilla cake combined with a lemon poppy seed base, filled with tart lemon curd, and finished with a swirl of sweet American-style buttercream. The poppy seeds lend a subtle flavor and interesting texture; however, feel free to omit them if desired. These cupcakes are perfect for parties or simply as a weekend baking project to lift your spirits!

More Delectable Lemon Recipes

If you’re a fan of all things lemon, you’ve stumbled onto the right site! We’ve crafted numerous recipes featuring this vibrant fruit, and if there’s a specific lemon dish you want to see, don’t hesitate to drop us a suggestion in the comments!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes consists of three key components: lemon curd, cupcake batter, and buttercream frosting.

Cupcake Batter Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 135 grams granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 165 ml milk
• 42 grams butter
• 165 grams all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Zest from 2 fresh lemons
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

• 226 grams unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• Zest from 1-2 lemons
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 240 grams powdered sugar
• Leftover lemon curd (optional, for flavoring)

Decoration Options:

Poppy seeds, lemon zest, sprinkles, candied lemon, or any other decorative elements you fancy!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Follow these straightforward steps to create the perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes:

1. Prepare the lemon curd in advance (check out our recipe) or use store-bought lemon curd for convenience.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
3. Melt the butter and milk together over low heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately double in volume.
6. Add the vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
7. Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing thoroughly each time. Fold in the lemon zest and poppy seeds at the end.
8. Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners and divide the batter evenly, filling each about three-quarters full.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Create a small well in the center of each cupcake and fill with lemon curd, about one tablespoon.
11. Prepare the buttercream by whisking softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until light and airy.
12. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream, using a piping bag for decoration if desired. Top with poppy seeds, lemon zest, sprinkles, or any embellishments you like!
13. Serve and enjoy your delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes!