Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

By Nicoleloviee
Makes 24 Cupcakes

PREP TIME 30 minutes COOK TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

FOR CUPCAKES:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
 1 tablespoon lemon zest
 ¾ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice from about one lemon 
A few drops pink food Coloring (optional)

For Buttercream Frosting:
1 C unsalted sweet cream butter softened
2 1/2 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp pure lemon extract 
½ EVDY Lemonade Packet 
3-5 TBSP heavy whipping cream
1 Disposable piping bag fitted with a medium star tip

Garnish (optional)
sprinkles
zest from 1 Large Lemon
2 lemons sliced into quarters

Prep:
Take Butter Out A Hour Before Minimum
Pre Zest Your Lemons
Pre Juice Your Lemons
The Infused Cupcakes-
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners or pans of choice
In a medium bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, EVDY “Lemonade” packet, and salt
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub together zest and sugar until fragrant. Add in the butter and beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Alternatively add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat well after each addition. Beat in the food coloring if using.

Divide the batter into the prepared muffin tins. Bake cupcakes until the center springs back when touched and a tester comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes. Let cupcakes cool completely on a cooling rack.

The Infused Buttercream 
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on high speed until pale and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, EVDY “Lemonade” packet, and extracts (and food coloring if using). Mix on low speed for a minute and then increase to medium-high speed to beat until well combined. 

-Tip: If the frosting is too thick, add in whipping cream. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar

Frost cupcakes with buttercream.
Decorate with sprinkles and hearts.