Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes – A Bursting Symphony of Tart Lemon and Sweet, Juicy Raspberries

If you're searching for a dessert that combines the refreshing zing of lemon with the juicy sweetness of raspberries, look no further! These Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes are a delightful mix of soft, fluffy cake, tangy lemon zest, and bursts of raspberry flavor, all topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting that will melt in your mouth. Whether you're baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cupcakes will bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon and raspberry are a match made in heaven! The tartness of fresh lemon zest combined with the natural sweetness of raspberries creates an irresistible flavor combo. With a light, moist cupcake base and a rich, tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Each bite is bursting with fruity goodness and will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

These Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes are the perfect treat when you’re craving something refreshing and sweet. The cake itself is tender and moist, with fresh raspberries adding both color and flavor, while the zesty lemon cream cheese frosting is smooth and rich, making these cupcakes absolutely irresistible. They’re also incredibly easy to make, so whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, you'll have no trouble whipping these up!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Cupcakes):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 40g

A Showstopper Dessert for Any Occasion

These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, or just a weekend treat. Their bright lemon flavor and stunning raspberry swirls make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, they’re a great way to showcase fresh summer berries when they're in season, or to bring a little brightness to your baking during the colder months.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve these Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes with a light, fruity drink like raspberry lemonade or a sparkling wine for an elegant dessert experience. If you're looking for something a bit more indulgent, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cupcakes also make for a delightful afternoon treat alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store your cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If you want to freeze them, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, let them thaw completely before frosting and garnishing.

Fun Fact: The Perfect Zest

Lemon zest is the key to bringing out a bold lemon flavor without adding too much acidity to your cupcakes. The oils in the zest contain the concentrated flavor of the lemon, making it the perfect way to add a citrusy kick to your baking!

Baking Tips for the Best Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

• Gently Mash the Raspberries: Lightly mash the raspberries before folding them into the batter to release some of their juices without making the batter too runny.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure your cupcakes stay light and fluffy, mix the batter until just combined—overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese will help your ingredients combine smoothly and give you a creamier frosting.

Optional Variations

• Berry Mix-Up: Swap the raspberries for fresh blueberries or strawberries to create a new fruity twist on these cupcakes.
• Add a Lemon Curd Center: For an extra burst of lemon, try adding a spoonful of lemon curd to the center of each cupcake before baking.
• Lemon Drizzle: Add an extra layer of lemony goodness by drizzling a light lemon glaze over the top of the cupcakes before frosting.

Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh raspberries, lightly mashed

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Add the softened butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
4. Fold in the lemon zest and raspberries: Gently fold in the lemon zest and mashed raspberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well-combined. Stir in the lemon juice and zest until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost them with the lemon cream cheese frosting. For a finishing touch, garnish each cupcake with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

These Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes are a delightful way to enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and raspberry in a rich, creamy dessert. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and stunning presentation. Happy baking!