Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 3 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
Frosting
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Make the cupcake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and lemon zest. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, lemon extract, and fresh lemon juice, whisking vigorously for about a minute to combine.
- Add sugar and dry ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Incorporate the basil: Carefully fold in the finely chopped fresh basil, mixing gently to prevent bruising the basil leaves and turning them black.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter into each lined muffin cup, filling about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Using an electric or stand mixer, beat the softened butter for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar in small amounts, beating until fully incorporated and the desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Flavor the frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh basil until evenly combined for a refreshing and aromatic frosting.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip and pipe the frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Optionally, garnish with thin lemon slices and fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure cupcakes remain light and fluffy.
- Fold in basil gently to avoid bruising and discoloration.
- You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- For best results, use fresh and high-quality basil and lemons to maximize flavor.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American