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Gluten Free Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting - these are full of lemon flavor with the perfect cake texture! Recipe from @whattheforkblog | whattheforkfoodblog | gluten free cupcakes | gluten free desserts | gluten free baking | gluten free cake recipes | birthday cake ideas | cupcake recipes | lemon desserts

Gluten Free Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.82 from 105 ratings
These gluten free lemon cupcakes have a tender crumb and are full of bright lemon flavor. Bonus – they’re really easy to make, no stand mixer required!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 15 cupcakes
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Ingredients

For the cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Rodelle Lemon Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Rodelle Vanilla Extract
  • 3/4 cup whole milk see notes for dairy free
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil
  • 5-8 drops yellow food coloring optional

For the frosting

  • 8 oz. cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

For the cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and muffin tins with 15 cupcake liners or spray well with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla extract, milk, and avocado oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin tins and fill each one 2/3 of the way with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 17-19 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. (Mine take 18 minutes)
  •  Remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the frosting:

  • Add the cream cheese and butter to a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat together until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed until the sugar is incorporated. Add the vanilla and lemon juice and mix an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. Cupcakes are best if eaten within 2-3 days. These cupcakes also freeze well.

Video

Notes

  1. I use my Nightshade-Free Flour Blend for this recipe. I also tested this recipe with Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour with great results.
  2. For dairy free cupcakes, use unsweetened coconut milk in place of the whole milk and use the dairy free cream cheese frosting recipe found here.
  3. I used an Ateco 829 Open Star Tip to frost these cupcakes. If you use a large piping tip to frost the cupcakes, you may need to make an extra 1/2 batch of frosting.

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

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