Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Lemon meringue cupcakes offer a perfect balance of bright, tart lemon curd and light, fluffy meringue atop a moist, tender cupcake. Their combination of zesty and sweet flavors with contrasting textures makes each bite exciting and memorable. Easy to serve and perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes always impress.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl
- Cupcake Pan:
- Piping Bag
- Culinary torch
Ingredients
Lemon Curd
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk or sour cream
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon curd by whisking egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and salt in a bowl over simmering water until thickened (10–15 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in butter, cool, then chill.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
- Hollow out centers of cooled cupcakes. Fill with lemon curd.
- Make meringue by whisking egg whites and cream of tartar over simmering water until warm and sugar dissolves (3–4 minutes). Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Pipe meringue onto cupcakes. Torch lightly for toasted finish if desired.
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Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for longer storage. Meringue is best fresh.