The Zesty Lemon Curd Cupcakes Recipe That Brightens Any Day

Whipping up delectable lemon curd cupcakes brings pure sunshine to your kitchen.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this delightful dessert.

Soft, pillowy cupcakes cradle a zesty lemon curd filling that promises pure delight.

Creamy textures and bright citrus notes create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite promises a burst of refreshing citrus balanced with subtle sweetness.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a memorable treat that sparks joy.

Bake these cupcakes and watch smiles bloom around your table.

FAQs About Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

• What ingredients give these cupcakes their unique lemon flavor?

The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice added directly into the batter and frosting create a bright, tangy citrus taste throughout the cupcakes.

• How does the lemon curd get incorporated into the cupcakes?

By adding a teaspoon of lemon curd in the middle of each cupcake during filling, creating a surprise burst of intense lemon flavor when you bite into them.

• Can I make these cupcakes if I'm not an experienced baker?

Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and simple, with basic mixing techniques that even beginner bakers can successfully follow and achieve delicious results.

Why Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes Are A Zesty Delight

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: These cupcakes deliver a zesty punch of lemon flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a refreshing and bright dessert experience.
• Surprise Inside Treat: The hidden layer of lemon curd in the middle transforms an ordinary cupcake into a delightful surprise, adding an unexpected burst of tangy sweetness.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, these cupcakes are sure to impress friends and family with their sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced pastry enthusiasts.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a soft, moist cupcake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bring bright, tangy citrus flavor to the cupcakes.
• Lemon Curd: A sweet-tart filling that adds an extra burst of lemon flavor.

• Unsalted Butter, Icing Sugar: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Enhance the frosting with a fresh, citrusy taste.

How To Bake Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 180C (350F) setting, getting it ready for our delightful cupcake adventure.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a dreamy, cloud-like mixture that’s super light and fluffy.

Step 3: Zest and Squeeze Lemons

Sprinkle in bright, zingy lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the creamy mixture, infusing it with citrusy happiness.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs Gently

Carefully add eggs one at a time, mixing softly to keep the batter smooth and luxurious.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Tenderly fold in flour (and optional baking powder), creating a silky-smooth batter that promises deliciousness.

Step 6: Craft Surprise-Filled Cupcakes

• Cupcake cases
• Lemon curd

Fill cupcake cases halfway with batter, drop a teaspoon of lemon curd in the center, then cover with more batter, creating a hidden lemony surprise.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cupcakes into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden color and spring back when touched. Let them cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Luxurious Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes creamy and dreamy, then gradually add powdered sugar for a cloud-like topping.

Step 9: Finish Frosting with Citrus Flair

Mix in lemon zest and juice, adjusting the consistency to create the perfect spreadable frosting.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Generously frost your cupcakes, letting the lemony magic shine through, and serve these delightful treats to eager friends and family.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

• Zest for Maximum Flavor: Use fresh, unwaxed lemons to extract the most vibrant citrus notes and enhance the overall taste of your cupcakes.
• Strategic Curd Placement: Create a delightful surprise by carefully spooning lemon curd into the center of each cupcake, ensuring an even distribution for a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Perfect Mixing Technique: Gently fold flour into the batter to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense, tough cupcakes.
• Frosting Consistency Control: Add icing sugar gradually and adjust with small amounts of lemon juice or milk to achieve the ideal piping or spreading consistency for your frosting.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and other refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother incorporation and more uniform baking results.

Fun Variations For Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Delight: Swap eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and create dairy-free lemon curd.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor intensity.
• Lavender Lemon Fusion: Add dried lavender to batter and frosting for an elegant herbal undertone, complementing the citrus notes.

Perfect Pairings For Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes

• Brew Bright Tea Companions: Serve Earl Grey or chamomile tea to enhance the cupcake's citrusy notes and provide a smooth, warming contrast.
• Match Sparkling Beverages: Pour chilled prosecco or light champagne to cut through the sweetness and create a refreshing palate experience.
• Craft Creamy Sidekicks: Offer a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the tangy lemon flavor and add rich, smooth texture.
• Select Fresh Fruit Accents: Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries to introduce a complementary fruity element that brightens the dessert's citrus profile.

How To Keep Nigella Lemon Curd Cupcakes Fresh

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place unfrosted cupcakes in freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 23 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 12 hours before frosting.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 12 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in microwave for 1015 seconds on low power. Allow to cool before serving to maintain texture and prevent soggy frosting.

Lemon Curd Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent lemon curd cupcakes deliver a zesty symphony of citrus and sweetness, balancing tangy homemade curd with delicate buttercream. Delightful pastries promise a refreshing escape that sparks pure culinary joy for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 medium eggs
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) self-raising flour
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) golden caster sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Filling and Frosting Ingredients:

• Lemon curd
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) icing sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whip butter and sugar until light and airy, creating a smooth creamy base.
3. Incorporate fresh lemon zest and tangy juice into the mixture, distributing evenly.
4. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
5. Delicately fold flour into the wet ingredients, creating a silky, uniform batter.
6. Fill cupcake cases halfway with batter, carefully drop a small dollop of lemon curd in center.
7. Cover lemon curd with remaining batter, ensuring even distribution.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cupcakes turn golden and spring back when touched.
9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on wire rack before frosting.
10. Whip butter until smooth and creamy for frosting base.
11. Gradually sift icing sugar into butter, blending until light and fluffy.
12. Enhance frosting with lemon zest and juice, adjusting consistency as needed.
13. Pipe or spread frosting generously over cooled cupcakes.
14. Serve and enjoy these zesty, delightful treats.

Notes

• Prevent overmixing batter to ensure light, tender cupcakes with soft crumb.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and consistent texture.
• Swirl extra lemon curd into frosting for intense citrus flavor boost.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg