Even though I don’t like to feel ruled by what is “in season,” sometimes I can’t help but embrace it. Winter citrus feels like a gift from Mother Nature to bring some sunshine to the dreary cold months. When it never really gets bright out, and I’m in the wintery doldrums, something bright, sunny and tangy seems like the perfect thing.
I’ve been dying to make these cupcakes for ages. Given that I just adore lemon meringue pie, these seemed right up my alley. It always appeared that I was one or two kitchen tools short to sucessfully attempt these. Even when I got a kitchen torch for toasting the meringue, I didn’t think I’d have much luck with 7-minute frosting without a stand mixer. So- now that the citrus is plentiful, and my kitchen tools are fully stocked, it seemed like just the time to try them!
I’ve made versions of this buttermilk-lemon cake before, and its wonderful. After that, a tart lemon curd is slathered on top and they are frosted with a fluffy, cloud-like 7 minute frosting. A little toasting from a kitchen torch adds that perfect touch reminiscient of the classic pie. If you want an over-the-top lemon flavor, core a little bit of the cake out and fill the cakes with lemon curd as well. I liked both variations, depending on how much lip-puckering tartness I feel like.
While the cupcakes and curd can be made days in advance, the frosting needs to be used right away or it gets hard. I suggest doing everything else ahead of time, but not making the frosting and assembling the cupcakes until when you're ready to serve!
recipe adapted slightly from: martha stewart cupcakes
Rossi @ A Baking Girl says
These look absolutely gorgeous! I adore lemon meringue pie, and the contrast between the tart curd and sweet frosting sounds delicious!
Tracey says
I love citrus in the winter and these are seriously gorgeous Audra! Lemon curd is like kryptonite to me, I could take a spoon to an entire jar of that stuff :)
Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These might end up my new fav….LOVE lemon meringue!!
Diane says
Those cupcakes looks wonderful!!!! Can you tell me what tip you used to decorate the frosting?
Jordan Lynn (Ciao Cow) says
Lemon desserts are my favorite!
claire says
These are GORGEOUS!!!
Audra says
Hey Diane! I used Ateco 836- which is just a large star tip! :)
tara says
Those are gorgeous and look delicious! I love lemon.
Erica says
I think this is the prettiest picture you’ve ever had on the blog! They look delectable.
Becca from Cookie Jar Treats says
Oh I love the look of that lemon curd running down the sides! This looks amazing and refreshing :)
Lucy Sorensen says
These really are so delicious – like the best cupcake and the best pie in one! I’m glad you made them in the winter!
Bakermomma says
They look fabulous Audra.
Thelittleloaf says
What a gorgeous hit of sunshine in this cold weather! Love the little toasted tops.
Audra says
Oh yes! I remember when you made these! :)
Audra says
Aw thanks Erica! I find that when I have such a pretty subject as these cupcakes, it’s hard to not make the picture look good :) xo
Bee says
Lemon meringue is my absolute favorite pie. I am sure it translates beautifully into cupcake form. Gotta try this once I get a kitchen torch…
Let Me Eat Cake says
these are so beautiful. i love the amount of lemon curd coating these!
Jessica says
I am OBSESSED with cupcakes and I’ve come to really love lemon flavored baked goods, so these look absolutely delicious. Thanks so much for sharing!!
-Jessica (Sew In Love)
Maida says
Went to heaven and came back with this cupcakes!! They were like lemon pie in one bite.
I made them for my boyfriends birthday party and they were a huge hit! I did some little modifications in the recipe but use yours as base.
Thanks for sharing this and all your recipes!!
Audra says
Yay I’m so glad they turned out well for you! :)
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Sherry says
Why do the ingredients in the seven minute frosting say to use 3/4 cup of sugar and in the directions it says to add 1 1/2 cups of sugar to the saucepan? Are you doubling the recipe and did not specify? It would be nice to know so we can double everything else as well.
Audra says
I actually halved the recipe, but seemed to miss that quantity. Thanks for letting me know- I edit my own posts but sometimes to miss things.
Traci says
This recipe sounds amazing. How many cupcakes does it make?
Audra says
Oops! Not sure how I missed including that- this makes one dozen cupcakes! :)