Citrus Bliss Cupcakes with Meringue Delight

Step into a world of refreshing sweetness and airy elegance with our Citrus Bliss Cupcakes with Meringue Delight. These cupcakes are a zesty twist on the classic Lemon Meringue Pie, combining a tender, lemon-infused cupcake base with a burst of homemade lemon curd and topped off with a fluffy, toasted meringue.

Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes deliver a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will elevate your dessert experience.

A Burst of Citrus in Every Bite

To begin your journey to cupcake perfection, start with the Citrus-Infused Cupcake Base. We take a classic vanilla cupcake and enhance it with a touch of fresh lemon zest, infusing the batter with a subtle yet invigorating citrus flavor. The result is a moist and tender cupcake that provides the perfect canvas for the other elements of this delectable dessert.

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Incorporate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.

Luscious Lemon Filling

The next layer of flavor is the Luscious Lemon Filling. This homemade lemon curd is tangy and vibrant, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet cupcake base and creamy meringue.

Ingredients for Lemon Filling:

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, water, and melted butter.
2. Cook the Filling: Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. This filling will be tangy and rich, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your cupcakes.

Heavenly Meringue Topping

The final touch to your Citrus Bliss Cupcakes is the Meringue Finale. This light and airy topping adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the zesty lemon flavors.

Ingredients for Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Assembling the Citrus Bliss Cupcakes

With all components ready, it’s time to assemble your cupcakes.

1. Create a Well: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out a 1-inch diameter center from each cupcake, creating a small well. Remove and set aside the cupcake cores.
2. Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon or pipe the homemade lemon curd into the center of each cupcake.
3. Top with Meringue: Spoon or pipe the meringue over each filled cupcake, spreading it to the edges and creating peaks with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake Meringue: Return the cupcakes to the oven for 5-6 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and toasted.

Conclusion:

Your Citrus Bliss Cupcakes with Meringue Delight are now ready to impress! Each bite offers a harmonious blend of moist, citrus-infused cupcake, tangy lemon curd, and light, toasted meringue. This unique dessert not only delivers a burst of fresh flavors but also provides an elegant and memorable treat for any occasion.

Share these cupcakes with friends and family, and let them savor the delightful fusion of citrus and meringue that makes these cupcakes truly special. Enjoy the blissful experience of baking and indulging in this extraordinary dessert!

Author : Marie-claude