Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 8 tbsp butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ⅔ cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• your favourite vanilla buttercream frosting

Steps

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. 2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium high speed for approx. 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
3. 3. Scrape down the sides and add the egg and vanilla bean paste. Continue to beat on medium high for 1 minute or until fully combined.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt.
5. 5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
6. 6. Add milk, lemon juice and lemon zest and continue to mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. 7. Divide batter into the cupcake liners, filling until 2/3rds full.
8. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. They are done if a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. 9. Remove cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.
10. 10. Bring your buttercream to room temperature, divide into 3 bowls and colour using your gel food colouring of choice.
11. 11. Play around with different piping tips to create various designs. Plate and enjoy!