Lemon Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two muffin tins with 18 cupcake liners.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Stir in vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together baking powder, flour, and salt. Add to the butter mixture alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
4. Add lemon zest and juice and mix until incorporated. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
6. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Interesting Facts

• Lemon is a natural source of vitamin C and helps to boost your immune system.
• Lemon zest can be used in place of lemon juice in baking recipes for a more intense lemon flavor.
• Lemon juice can be used as a natural food preservative to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.