Best Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes Recipe – Perfect for Summer!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Picture this: tender, golden cupcakes bursting with juicy blueberries, kissed by bright lemon zest, and crowned with a cloud of creamy frosting that melts on your tongue. That’s the magic of these Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes—a dessert so irresistible, it tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, surprising a friend, or just treating yourself, this recipe is your ticket to bakery-quality cupcakes at home. I’ve spent years perfecting the balance of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, and today, I’m sharing all my secrets:

🔹 Why buttermilk is the secret to ultra-moist cupcakes (no dry crumbs here!).
🔹 How to keep blueberries from sinking (hint: it’s all in the toss!).
🔹 A cream cheese frosting so silky, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.

These cupcakes are easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions. Ready to bake the best Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes of your life? Let’s preheat that oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing like the bright, zesty flavor of lemon paired with juicy blueberries in a soft, fluffy cupcake. These Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes are my go-to summer treat—perfect for picnics, birthdays, or just because!

Unlike other recipes, I’ve added a secret ingredient (hint: it keeps them extra moist!) and a luscious cream cheese frosting that balances the tangy lemon perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup buttermilk (secret ingredient for moisture!)
1 cup fresh blueberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice

(Pro Tip: Freeze blueberries for 10 minutes before folding into batter—they’ll stay intact!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 mins).
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and juice.

4. Alternate Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add ½ flour mix, then buttermilk, then remaining flour.
Gently fold in blueberries.

Mixing lemon blueberry cupcake batter in a glass bowl with fresh blueberries — Pro tip: Toss blueberries in flour to keep them from sinking!

5. Bake & Cool

Fill liners ¾ full.
Bake 18-20 mins (until a toothpick comes out clean).
Cool completely before frosting.

Close-up of moist lemon blueberry cupcake with fresh blueberries and lemon zest garnish — Creamy frosting + tangy blueberries = the ultimate cupcake duo.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

🔥 Prevent Blueberry Sinking: Toss berries in flour before adding.
🍋 Extra Lemon Flavor: Add 1 tsp lemon extract to the batter.
🧁 Perfect Frosting: Chill cupcakes for 10 mins before piping.

FAQs

How long will blueberry cake last?

These lemon blueberry cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for 5 days or freeze (unfrosted) for 1 month.

Why do lemon and blueberry go together?

Lemon’s bright acidity balances the natural sweetness of blueberries, creating a refreshing, tangy-sweet flavor perfect for summer. The combination also enhances moisture in baked goods!

Do blueberry cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

Only if frosted with cream cheese frosting (due to dairy). Unfrosted cupcakes can stay at room temperature for 2–3 days.

How many calories are in a lemon blueberry cupcake?

Approximately 280–320 calories per cupcake (with frosting), depending on ingredient brands and portion size. For exact numbers, use a nutrition calculator.

How is the taste of blueberry cake?

These cupcakes are lightly sweet with a tangy lemon kick, bursts of juicy blueberries, and a creamy frosting. The texture is fluffy yet moist—like a sunny day in dessert form!