Easy Tangy Lemon Meringue Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Citrus Delight

Swirls of silky meringue dance atop zesty lemon meringue cupcakes, creating a dessert that sings with bright, tangy flavors.

Delicate cupcake bases burst with citrusy notes that awaken the senses.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and tart, inviting you to savor every delightful moment.

The golden-peaked meringue crowns these miniature delights like a culinary masterpiece.

Whispers of lemon zest weave through tender cake crumbs, promising an irresistible treat.

Bakery-worthy yet simple to create, these cupcakes turn an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Let your taste buds embark on a refreshing journey that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Lemon Cupcake Baking Tips

• Lemon Zest Booster: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of fresh lemon zest directly into the cake batter for a more intense lemony punch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake the cupcake bases a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill and top with meringue just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
• Meringue Mastery: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use a clean, grease-free bowl to achieve perfect, fluffy meringue peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• Filling Finesse: No pastry bag? No problem! Use a clean plastic zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off to easily fill cupcakes with smooth lemon crème without any mess.
• Torching Technique: For a professional touch, use a kitchen torch instead of the oven to brown the meringue. This gives you more control and creates a more even golden color on top of each cupcake.

Creative Ways to Serve Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

• Zesty Dessert Companions: Pair these lemon meringue cupcakes with a chilled glass of iced tea or sparkling white wine to complement their bright citrus flavor.
• Elegant Presentation Twist: Dust the cupcakes with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon zest curls just before serving to enhance their visual appeal and add an extra layer of lemony freshness.
• Perfect Party Platter: Arrange the cupcakes on a beautiful serving platter with fresh mint leaves or small edible flowers scattered around them, creating a stunning dessert centerpiece that will impress guests at brunches, afternoon teas, or summer gatherings.
• Cooling Companion: Serve these cupcakes slightly chilled or at room temperature alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the tangy lemon filling and create a delightful dessert experience.

Storage Notes for Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

• Cupcake Care Companion: Strategic storage and serving tips to keep your lemon meringue cupcakes delightful and fresh.
• Quick Counter Rest: Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor before storing or serving.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent meringue from sticking and maintain delicate peaks.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh meringue before serving for best taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake components separately within 24 hours of serving. Bake cake base, prepare lemon filling, and whip meringue just before assembling to ensure maximum freshness and stunning presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes Ingredient List

• Lemon Cake Mix: Provides the foundational flavor and structure with zesty lemon essence, choose a high-quality mix for best results.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, tender crumb texture, opt for fresh whole milk for richer taste.
• Canola Oil: Ensures moistness and softness, select a fresh, light-flavored oil.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, choose large, room-temperature eggs for even mixing.
• Lemon Peel: Adds bright, intense citrus aroma, use freshly grated zest for maximum flavor punch.

• Lemon Crème Pie Filling: Delivers tangy, creamy center, select a premium brand with authentic lemon taste.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, cloudlike meringue topping, use fresh, room-temperature whites for perfect peaks.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes meringue and prevents deflating, ensures glossy, sturdy peaks.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps meringue achieve beautiful golden finish, use fine granulated sugar for smoothest texture.

Tools for Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

• Muffin Pan: Essential for baking cupcakes with even shape and size.
• Muffin Liners: Prevents sticking and makes cupcakes easy to remove.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cake ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric Mixer: Ensures smooth and well-blended batter.
• Toothpick: Helps check cupcake doneness by testing center.
• Pastry Bag or Plastic Bag: Used for filling cupcakes with lemon crème.
• Small Piping Tip: Allows precise filling and meringue decoration.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cupcakes cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements.

Steps to Make Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Cupcake Foundation

Preheat the kitchen oven and set up cozy paper liners in a muffin tin. Mix cake ingredients gently, allowing the batter to develop a smooth, silky texture that promises delightful flavor.

Baking Landscape

Pour batter into each liner, filling them just past the halfway point. Slide the tray into the warm oven, letting the cupcakes transform into golden, fluffy clouds of deliciousness.

Lemon Surprise Center

After cooling, create a secret pocket in each cupcake. Carefully inject a burst of zesty lemon cream that will dance on taste buds and spark joy with every bite.

Cloudy Meringue Topping

Whip egg whites into a dreamy, soft landscape. Gradually sprinkle sugar, watching the mixture transform into glossy, billowy peaks that shimmer like morning frost.

Final Golden Touch

Crown each cupcake with the pillowy meringue, then return to the oven. Watch as the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a delicate caramelized finish that looks as magical as it tastes.

Cooling Moment

Let the cupcakes rest and settle, allowing flavors to mingle and textures to harmonize. Serve these little treasures to friends and watch their faces light up with pure culinary delight.

Heavenly Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky lemon meringue cupcakes blend zesty citrus with sweet, pillowy meringue topping. Classic French pastry techniques elevate this delightful dessert that you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package lemon cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups (320 mL) milk
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) canola oil
• 1 tbsp grated lemon peel
• 1 cup (240 mL) lemon crème pie filling
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ½ tsp cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners, spacing them evenly.
2. Batter Creation: In a large bowl, blend lemon cake mix, milk, canola oil, eggs, and grated lemon peel using an electric mixer. Whip ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, then elevate to medium speed, mixing for 2 minutes until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Filling and Baking: Dispense batter into muffin cups, filling each two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick that emerges clean when inserted near the center.
4. Cupcake Filling: Once slightly cooled, excavate a small cavity in each cupcake’s center using a piping tip or knife. Delicately introduce lemon crème pie filling, ensuring uniform distribution.
5. Meringue Crafting: Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks emerge. Gradually incorporate sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat on high speed until the mixture transforms into stiff, glossy peaks with completely dissolved sugar.
6. Meringue Topping: Artfully pipe meringue over filled cupcakes, creating elegant peaks and swirls. Elevate oven temperature to 400°F and return cupcakes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown meringue topping during a 5-8 minute bake.
7. Cooling: Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks for complete cooling.

Notes

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent cupcake texture and flavor, as baking requires scientific accuracy.
• Mix Technique Matters: Blend cake mix ingredients gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, light batter that rises evenly.
• Fill Cupcake Liners Strategically: Don’t overfill cups; two-thirds full allows proper rising and prevents messy overflow during baking.
• Meringue Success Tips: Whip egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume and use clean, dry utensils to prevent deflation of peaks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg