When it comes to cupcakes, the perfect balance of flavors can truly elevate a simple treat to a gourmet delight. In this recipe, I’ve discovered a winning combination that will surely impress your taste buds – Lemon and Passion Fruit Cupcakes. These delicate treats are not only light and tender but also bursting with a refreshing citrusy punch that screams of springtime.
Inspired by a jar of luscious passion fruit curd, I decided to infuse these cupcakes with a tropical twist. The tangy passion fruit coulis hidden inside the cake and drizzled on top of the frosting adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Even the most discerning palates, like my cake-averse partner, couldn’t resist the allure of these cupcakes. Trust me, these Lemon and Passion Fruit Cupcakes are a definite crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 110g Flora Original
- 110g caster sugar
- 2 medium eggs
- 110g self-raising flour, sieved with 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp Passion Fruit Coulis
- 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 and 1/2 cups icing sugar (sifted; adjust to 3 cups based on consistency)
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 2 tbsp Passion Fruit Coulis (plus extra for garnish)
- Sprinkles (optional)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup passion fruit puree (such as Goya brand)
Required Tools and Equipment
To make these delicious Lemon and Passion Fruit Cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure your baking process goes smoothly. Here are the items you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: You’ll require medium to large mixing bowls for preparing the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, will help you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the frosting.
- Cupcake pan: Make sure you have a standard 12-cup muffin pan to bake your cupcakes evenly.
- Cupcake liners: Have some cupcake liners on hand to prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan.
- Zester: A zester will be necessary to extract the zest from the lemon for that fresh citrus flavor.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack is essential for allowing your cupcakes to cool properly before frosting.
- Piping bag and tip: If you want to create beautiful swirls of frosting on top of your cupcakes, a piping bag with a star tip will be handy.
- Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven to bake your cupcakes to perfection.
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
To begin making these delicious lemon and passion fruit cupcakes, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients at hand, including unsalted butter, icing sugar, lemon zest, passion fruit coulis, sprinkles (optional), Flora Original, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder, and some additional lemon juice and zest.
Make the Cupcake Batter
- Cream together 110g of Flora Original and 110g of caster sugar until fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape the bowl in between additions.
- Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 110g of self-raising flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and the remaining liquids (lemon juice, milk, etc.) to the creamed mixture, alternating between dry and wet ingredients.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with the batter, adding about 1 tablespoon of batter to each case.
- Top each cupcake with 1/2 tablespoon of passion fruit coulis before adding another layer of batter on top.
Bake the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Bake mini cupcakes for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting
For a luxurious mousse frosting:
- Whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in half a can of sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup of passion fruit puree.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more or less condensed milk as needed.
- Optional: Top the cupcakes with fresh berries or extra passion fruit coulis for a decorative finish.
Make-ahead Tips
When it comes to preparing these delightful lemon and passion fruit cupcakes ahead of time, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some handy make-ahead tips to help you get organized and make the baking process even smoother:
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter in Advance: You can make the cupcake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This way, you can easily bake fresh cupcakes whenever you need them without the hassle of preparing the batter from scratch.
- Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes: If you want to keep your cupcakes for longer periods, consider freezing them unfrosted. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cupcakes at room temperature and add the frosting.
- Freeze the Frosted Cupcakes: If you have already frosted the cupcakes, you can freeze them as well. Place the frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet in the freezer until the frosting is firm. Then, transfer the cupcakes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator before serving.
- Make the Frosting in Advance: The delicious passion fruit frosting can also be made ahead of time. Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Remember to let it come to room temperature before piping it onto the cupcakes for the best consistency.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can conveniently prepare your lemon and passion fruit cupcakes in advance, allowing you to enjoy these flavorful treats at a moment’s notice.
Conclusion
The Lemon and Passion Fruit Cupcakes recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for any occasion. The tropical touch of passion fruit coulis adds a unique twist to these light and fluffy cupcakes. With the surprise element of passion fruit in the frosting, these treats are sure to impress. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily prepare these cupcakes in advance, ensuring they are always ready to be enjoyed. Whether for a special celebration or a simple indulgence, these Lemon and Passion Fruit Cupcakes are a delicious treat that will leave everyone craving for more.
