Lemon Curd Filled Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting are the ultimate springtime treat. These soft, moist cupcakes are made with a tangy lemon buttermilk cake base, filled with luscious lemon curd, and topped with a silky lemon buttercream frosting. Bursting with bright citrus flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for Easter, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for something fresh and cheerful. They’re beautiful to look at and even better to eat—especially when topped with lemon zest, lemon slices, and a decorative party pick!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Lemon Buttermilk Cupcakes (makes about 24 cupcakes)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp fine sea salt
1 cup salted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
1 cup buttermilk
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp)
8 oz lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
4–5 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two standard 12-cup muffin pans or line with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (8–10 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until just combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and lemon juice. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix on medium-high for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest.
Fill each cupcake liner ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Once cool, fill a piping bag fitted with a cupcake filling tip with lemon curd. Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake and fill with 1–2 tsp of curd.
To make the frosting, cream together cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost the cupcakes and decorate with lemon slices, lemon zest, or sprigs of thyme if desired.
Nutrients (per cupcake, estimated)
Calories: 370
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 35g
Vitamin A: 650 IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 1mg
The Ultimate Celebration Cupcake
Lemon is a flavor that naturally lends itself to joyful occasions, and these cupcakes are no exception. They’re an ideal pick for Easter, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, or garden parties. Their cheerful appearance and refreshing flavor profile offer a delightful alternative to heavier chocolate or spice-based desserts. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or planning a picnic in the sun, these cupcakes elevate the moment with their light texture and citrus zing. Their pale yellow hue and glossy lemon buttercream make them visually irresistible, inviting guests to reach for one even before they’ve had a chance to admire the décor.
Moist, Tangy Lemon Buttermilk Cake Base
The cupcake starts with a moist lemon buttermilk cake that provides a delicate structure and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. The use of buttermilk and sour cream enhances the texture, keeping the cake tender and fluffy while adding a mild tang that complements the lemon juice and zest. The balance between richness from the butter and acidity from the citrus ensures each bite is flavorful but never overwhelming. Lemon zest brings in the natural oils of the fruit, infusing the batter with a fresh and vibrant aroma that’s both uplifting and mouthwatering.
A Surprise Center of Silky Lemon Curd
The real magic of these cupcakes lies in the filling. As you bite into one, you’re met with a surprise pocket of luscious lemon curd that oozes gently from the center. This velvety curd adds a bold lemon punch that deepens the flavor and creates a luxurious texture contrast to the soft cake. Whether homemade or store-bought, lemon curd’s rich, eggy smoothness adds a gourmet element to the dessert without adding much extra effort. It’s a small touch that leaves a big impression and sets these cupcakes apart from a standard lemon-flavored cake.
Lemon Buttercream That’s Smooth and Creamy
Topping off the cupcakes is a thick swirl of lemon buttercream frosting—creamy, tangy, and not overly sweet. Made with cream cheese and real lemon juice, the frosting has a slight tang and a light, whipped texture that pairs perfectly with the soft cake and vibrant filling. It’s sturdy enough to pipe into elegant peaks but light enough that it melts on the tongue. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and cream cheese, creating a frosting that tastes bright and fresh, not heavy or cloying. The addition of vanilla adds depth and rounds out the citrus, giving it a balanced and layered flavor.
Visually Stunning and Easy to Decorate
Beyond their incredible flavor, these cupcakes are a feast for the eyes. Their bright color palette and potential for creative decoration make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Topped with thin slices of lemon, fresh zest, sprigs of thyme, or edible flowers, they become little edible works of art. They look equally lovely in rustic settings served on wooden boards or nestled in cupcake towers at elegant events. You can even tailor the decorations to match a theme, color palette, or seasonal setting, making them one of the most versatile and eye-catching desserts you can make at home.
Great for Make-Ahead Baking
These lemon curd filled cupcakes are also practical when it comes to prep. The cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container, and the lemon curd can be made several days in advance if you’re making it from scratch. Even the buttercream can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then re-whipped before use. This make-ahead flexibility means you can spend more time enjoying your event and less time stressing in the kitchen. Assemble and frost them the morning of your celebration, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious all day long.
A Dessert That Pleases Every Palate
Lemon is one of those universally loved flavors that appeals to people of all ages. It’s sweet enough to satisfy a sugar craving, but the tartness adds sophistication and complexity. These cupcakes manage to feel both fun and refined at once—perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re not overly rich or heavy, which makes them a hit even after a large meal. Because of their well-rounded flavor and crowd-pleasing nature, they’re a safe bet when you’re baking for a group and want something everyone will love.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. The steps are straightforward, and the results are reliably impressive. Learning to fill cupcakes is a simple skill that yields a big payoff in presentation and taste, while the buttercream offers a chance to practice piping or decorative techniques. Even if you’re not aiming for showstopping designs, the flavor of these cupcakes speaks for itself. They’re proof that a well-made, thoughtfully flavored dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to wow your guests.
A Refreshing Twist on Classic Cupcakes
While vanilla and chocolate cupcakes will always have their place, lemon curd filled cupcakes offer a refreshing twist that sets them apart. They’re especially welcome in spring and summer when lighter, fruitier desserts are in demand. The lemon curd brings brightness and richness, while the buttercream adds elegance and smoothness. Together, they transform a basic cupcake into something truly special—sweet, tart, rich, light, and refreshing all at once. It’s a combination that satisfies every craving and leaves you reaching for just one more.
Conclusion
Lemon Curd Filled Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting are the perfect way to celebrate any special moment with flavor, beauty, and style. From the soft lemon buttermilk base to the creamy curd filling and velvety citrus frosting, every component works together to create a cupcake that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Bursting with freshness and layered with tangy-sweet flavor, these cupcakes capture the essence of sunshine and celebration in each bite. Whether you’re serving them at a springtime brunch or enjoying one solo with a cup of tea, they’re guaranteed to brighten your day and leave a lasting impression.
