Lemon Bunny Cupcakes Recipe

Fluffy Lemon Bunny Cupcakes Recipe: Hop Into Spring Sweetness

Whipping up delightful lemon bunny cupcakes brings pure joy to any spring celebration.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with cheerful memories.

Soft, fluffy textures promise a magical treat that delights both kids and adults.

Playful bunny shapes add whimsy to these zesty citrus desserts.

Delicate lemon notes dance across each tender crumb, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Pastel decorations transform these cupcakes into adorable edible art pieces.

You’ll want to gather your mixing bowls and start baking right now!

Bright Lemon Bunny Cupcakes for Springtime

  • Beginner-friendly recipe requiring simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that anyone can successfully create.
  • Bright lemon notes make these cupcakes refreshingly tangy and irresistibly light, appealing to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile recipe allows decorative frosting and personal touches, making each cupcake a unique edible masterpiece.

Gather Ingredients for Lemon Bunny Cupcakes

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft and fine ingredient that provides the main structure for the cupcakes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cupcake batter.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake's light and fluffy texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cake consistency.
Lemon Flavoring:
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring a bright, tangy citrus flavor to the cupcakes and enhance the overall taste profile.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cupcakes rise and balance the sweetness with a subtle seasoning.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Create a smooth, sweet, and zesty topping that complements the lemon cupcake base.

How to Bake Adorable Lemon Bunny Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Grab a muffin tin and line it with adorable cupcake liners that will cradle your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Gently introduce eggs one by one, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, silky base.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.

Stir gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Add Citrusy Sunshine

Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest and squeeze in bright lemon juice.

Stir until the zesty goodness is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Carefully spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean and dry.

Step 6: Create Dreamy Lemon Frosting

Once cupcakes have completely cooled, whip up a tangy frosting by beating powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.

Generously frost each cupcake, creating a delightful lemony crown.

Step 7: Decorate with Bunny Flair

Optional: Add cute bunny-themed decorations like marshmallow ears or fondant bunny faces to transform these cupcakes into adorable woodland treats.

Secrets to Fluffy Lemon Batter and Frosting

  • Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense cupcakes. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
  • Check cupcakes early and remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to keep them tender and soft.
  • Use piped frosting to create bunny ear shapes or add cute edible decorations like pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.

Keeping Lemon Bunny Cupcakes Fresh

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're covered to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap plain cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Place cupcakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Bunny Cupcakes

  • Pair with Refreshing Citrus Drinks: Match the bright lemon flavor with crisp, zesty beverages like homemade lemonade or sparkling citrus spritzer to enhance the cupcake's tangy profile.
  • Complement with Light Dessert Wines: Select a chilled moscato or sweet riesling that echoes the lemon's sweetness and provides a delicate, complementary taste experience.
  • Create a Teatime Experience: Serve alongside Earl Grey tea or chamomile, which will beautifully balance the cupcake's citrusy notes and provide a sophisticated afternoon treat.
  • Garnish with Fresh Fruit Accompaniments: Add a side of fresh berries or candied lemon peel to elevate the dessert's presentation and provide a textural contrast to the soft cupcake.

Fun Variations on Lemon Bunny Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Bunny Cupcakes: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Lemon Bunny Cupcakes: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk to create a plant-based version that's dairy and egg-free.
  • Low-Sugar Lemon Bunny Cupcakes: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar, and swap traditional frosting for a lighter Greek yogurt-based topping.
  • Keto-Friendly Lemon Bunny Cupcakes: Utilize almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and create a cream cheese-based frosting to make a low-carb, high-fat alternative.

FAQs

  • What makes the lemon flavor stand out in these cupcakes?

The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest provides a bright, intense citrus flavor that gives these cupcakes their signature tangy taste.

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, as it provides a more vibrant and authentic citrus taste compared to bottled juice.

  • How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cupcakes are done. They should also have a light golden color on top.

  • Is it important to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly?

Yes, creaming butter and sugar until fluffy helps create a light, tender texture and ensures the cupcakes are soft and moist.

Print
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Lemon Bunny Cupcakes Recipe

Lemon Bunny Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Easter delight, Lemon Bunny Cupcakes bring playful springtime charm to dessert tables. Zesty citrus and adorable bunny shapes make these treats irresistible for celebrations you’ll adore.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Flavor and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners and heat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until light and airy, incorporating eggs individually and mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  3. Separately combine dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and stirring until just incorporated.
  5. Gently fold in fresh lemon juice and zest, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  6. Carefully fill each cupcake liner approximately two-thirds full with the lemon-infused mixture.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when removed.
  8. Remove cupcakes from oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Prepare frosting by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Once cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the tangy lemon glaze.

Notes

  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version of these delightful cupcakes that everyone can enjoy.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, bright flavor that will make these bunny cupcakes truly sing with citrusy goodness.
  • Prevent dry cupcakes by carefully measuring flour and avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten strands and create dense textures.
  • Decorate with adorable bunny ears made from white chocolate or fondant for a playful, festive touch that will delight both kids and adults at any celebration.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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