Fluffy, tart, sweet and delicious (and let’s not forget pretty) are all perfectly acceptable and fitting words to describe these Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberries and White Chocolate Drizzle . Quite a mouthful, wouldn’t you say? Every component is yummy on its own, but together they are the perfect bite and sure to put a big ol’ smile on your face.
Well hello there! How’s it going? I have some sweet (no pun intended – ok, maybe a little 😀 ) news for you guys! I’ve teamed up with some friends and fellow food bloggers and we are sharing some delicious goodies for you to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. There’s quite the line up and definitely something for everybody, but you’re probably going to want to try each and every one! Links to everyone’s recipe is at the bottom of this post, so please be sure to head on over to their site. Your belly will thank you!
What do you do on Valentine’s Day? Whether you are with your human sweetie, your bestie, your fur baby sweetie or rockin’ it solo, there’s always time for cupcakes, wouldn’t ya say?
Valentine’s Day holds a special place in the heart of both hubby and I. And, no, not because it’s the official ‘love’ day. It’s because it’s our fur baby’s birthday and, to me, that’s so much more important. I tell my hubby that I love him every day, but my fur baby’s birthday only comes around once a year and I have to spoil him<—–of course, he is actually spoiled ALL the time, but a little extra on his birthday. I remember the day we brought him home and he was on my lap and so tiny…just a little peck. Well, he is still not huge (about 17 pounds), but certainly much bigger now. He is my little buddy and I’m pretty much sure that we are addicted to each other #truth.
Hubby and I don’t want to leave the little guy alone on his birthday. We’ll probably cook something special at home (which is one of my favourite things to do, actually). Hubby does a deadly wicked job with homemade pasta and he makes a bolognese sauce that is out of this world good, so I may just have to put in a little request for that. And, I’ll contribute by making these Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberries and White Chocolate Drizzle 🙂 Sounds fair, doesn’t it?
The base of these cupcakes is flavoured with both lemon zest (love that stuff) and lemon extract for that extra punch of lemon flavour, so it really shines through. They are moist and the perfect base for a not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting. By the way, don’t look at this one below – it’s naked 😀 I couldn’t resist!
The Cream Cheese Frosting on these bad boys is spiked with a little triple sec, but that is completely optional (is it though??? Hehehe). You could totally substitute vanilla extract if you like. I’m not a fan of overly sweet things and this hits the spot perfectly. Just the other week, I made a dessert with a buttercream and it was sickly sweet. I’m taking sugar grit in your teeth sweet. Big dud. I think it was the combination of everything together and it was just way over the top. It was half decent, but almost inedible. In the trash they went. These cupcakes, on the other hand, are perfect. It doesn’t get much easier or tastier than this and such a classic treat, especially on Valentine’s Day.
I used fresh raspberries here, but other berries would work wonderfully too – think blackberries and strawberries or even a combination! And like most baked goodies, these are best enjoyed right away (as if you were gonna wait, right?)
Until next time, take care & chit chat again soon!
~D
P.S. If you think that these Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberries and White Chocolate Drizzle will make your belly happy too, please be sure to PIN.
And, please don’t forget to check out the awesome sweets below from my friends and fellow food bloggers – they’re too good to miss!!
Many thanks, you guys! XO
Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberries and White Chocolate Drizzle
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 package cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1.5 tsp triple sec -optional, or 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Lemon Cupcakes
- 1.5 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 lemons -zest only
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 2 eggs -I used large
- 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk - I used unsweetened
- Pam -for greasing liners
White Chocolate Drizzle
- 3 oz white chocolate
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Garnishes
- 1.5 cup fresh raspberries -approximately
Instructions
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixer, combine cream cheese and butter and blend until smooth and combined. Slowly add icing sugar until smooth and incorporated. Add triple sec, if using, and blend until combined. Put into a piping bag and pipe around the outer edge of the top of each (cooled) cupcake.
Lemon Cupcakes
- In a bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and lemon zest. Stir to combine and lay to one side. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pan and spray with Pam baking spray. Lay to one side. Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a mixer combine butter and sugar and mix to combine until smooth and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
- To mixer, add vanilla and lemon extracts and stir to combine, about 1 minute. Add eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- With mixer on medium low, alternating with reserved flour mixture and vanilla almond milk, add to mixer until incorporated. Don't overmix.
- Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake for about 18 minutes until wooden skewer comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
- Once cooled, pipe on Cream Cheese Frosting on outer edge of the top of each cupcake. Place 3-4 fresh raspberries in centre and drizzle with White Chocolate. Enjoy immediately!
White Chocolate Drizzle
- In a microwave safe bowl combine heavy cream and white chocolate. Melt in microwave on medium high for about 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until just melted. Let cool slightly for a minute or so before drizzling over cupcakes.
Notes
Nutrition
Lemon, raspberries and white chocolate!? Oh and cream cheese frosting!? Goodness! I want one so bad! I haven’t had a cupcake in so long! I think it’s time for one! These look perfect and the combo is a favorite of mine.
Thanks so much, April! I loved decorating these almost as much as eating them 😉
These cupcakes are beautiful! I thought my girls were spoiled but your little guy is def in the lead. Plus, he owns more sweaters than I do! hahahaha! Funny but true 😉 Valentine’s Day is very special to J and I because that was the day we got engaged. I know, super cheesy but it was sweet because it was on a Saturday and he planned a whole weekend getaway/celebration.
Also, love this whole list of Valentine treats! I’ll have to start making one recipe a week 🙂
Thank you sweetie pie! I think your girls may be just a tad spoiled too 😉 How sweet of J! I’ll have to hear more about that story later for sure! XO
Wow! I saw these on IG and Dawn – so loving the combo of those lemon cupcakes with tiple sec cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle with tart raspberries! Delicious – and in my opinion – perfect for any day of the year not just Vday! 🙂
So true! I like the way you think, Shashi! These were super fun to decorate too 🙂
These are the most Valentine treats EVER – so romantically beautiful!!
Thanks Kate!!
Dawn these looks so delicious. I have no doubt that tastes same as it looks, love this recipe!
Thanks so much, Agness! They were fun to make too 🙂
Swooning over these stunning cupcakes! The lemon-cream cheese-raspberry flavor combination sounds like a wonderful pairing.
Thank you Rachel! I love lemon in desserts 🙂 Hope you’re having a great weekend!
These are soooo gorgeous!! Nothing makes me happier than pretty Valentine’s Day food 🙂 Except pretty AND delicious Valentine’s Day food, which I’m 100% sure this is!! Now, if only I could jump through my computer and eat them 🙂
Awww, thanks Sues! Happy weekend 🙂
Awww. . .your fur baby is so lucky to have you. It sounds like you spoil the heck out of him.
As for staying in. . .it sounds like a good idea especially if you can convince the hubby to make that amazing pasta dish of his (btw. . .it is one of my hubby’s favorite meal. . .so I will keep it quiet that you guys are having it. Shhhh!). And if you make these scrumptious cuppies. . .well. . .I think between dinner and dessert, you have even the finest of restaurants beat.
We definitely spoil him, no doubt….and LOVE to do so 😉 Thanks so much, Lynn! Nothing like enjoying a good meal at home in comfy clothes, is there? Have a fab weekend!
I don’t do anything for Valentine’s Day (I don’t celebrate it), but I would love one of these cupcakes! Somehow, I don’t recall ever making cupcakes! (How is that even possible?!!?).. I should fix that because these look AMAZING!
I don’t know how that’s possible 🙂 !! You definitely should! All kinds of yum in one little bite…though you may eat more than one 😉
This cupcake has all my favourite things! Looks sooo good. Perfect for Valentine’s! And boozy too eh? Tailor-made for me haha. Hope you have an amazing Valentine (we’re Valentine scrooges so nothing really special planned except for our usual wine lol). And nice round-up too, can’t wait to check it out. Happy Friday!
Usual wine sounds perfect to me, Jolina 😉 Nothing wrong with that! Thanks so much and happy Friday to ya too! P.S. TWD starts next week 🙂 !
What a gorgeous cupcake! I love lemon and raspberries, but throw in a little white chocolate and you’ve got perfection! Love, Love, Love it!
Thank you very much, Kathy! The white chocolate was my favourite part to do 🙂 Happy weekend!
Raspberries, lemon and white chocolate; what’s not to love. They look great.
Thanks so much 🙂 They’re pretty tasty!
Well, well, well don’t these look are purty and such. I’m a sucker for a cupcake with at least it’s weight in frosting so this would do me. Lemon and raspberries are such a YUM combo and a perfect V-Day treat. Oliver, Kodi and I wish your four legged fur baby a big Happy Birthday! BTW, love your man makes pasta, awesome and lucky you!
Thanks Kevin! Sweet of you to say! Awwww….and fur baby appreciate the b day wishes! Definitely lucky me with hubby making pasta! And he also makes some awesome old fashioned molasses raisin bread. I think maybe he should be the blogger, not me, lol 😀
Good grief, girl! You are killing me withe these cupcakes! You have all my favorite things in here. You are so over the top with that white chocolate drizzle. I love it! XO
Woo hoo! Thanks Rachelle! I think the drizzle makes it 🙂 Happy (soclose) weekend! XO
I saw these cupcakes this morning on Instagram and they are *dreamy*!! And triple sec in cream cheese frosting? Where has this idea been all my life????
You are your hubby are so sweet to stay in on Valentine’s Day for your furbaby’s birthday. That’s definitely one spoiled pooch! 😉
You’re sweet, Tracy! Thank-you! I hear ya about the triple sec 😉 Fur baby is definitely spoiled! Waaaay to much, but we wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
These look so light and delicious! They will totally balance out the table of chocolate at my kids’ school. And I love, love, love raspberries. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, April! Enjoy 🙂
No, I wouldn’t wait! One straight in my mouth! 😉 Love the flavors of these cupcakes, especially the lemon, combined with the raspberries. And they look so pretty!! Just perfect ending to a romantic dinner.
Haha! Good idea, Nicoletta! Thanks so much, my friend 🙂
Oh my! This looks incredible. I will gladly eat this baby in honor of fur baby! How cute is that. I am afraid I may now always associate raspberry cream cheese with choco love with ‘fur babe’s bday’. On a more serious note, your stuff is rad! Love love love it.
Thanks so much, Cindy!! Hahaha! That’s so funny…at least you’ll always remember his b-day, right 😉 ? Appreciate the kind words and it was so fun doing this round up with everyone 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Awww I love that you’re celebrating your fur baby’s birthday. Demand photos!
We have to take care of our fur babies… especially on their birthdays!
What a perfect Valentine’s Day treat! I love the combination of lemon and raspberries, and everything is better with chocolate. Perfect! Pinned, Stumbled, and Yummed… Happy Valentine’s Day!
That’s so true, Tamara 🙂 Thanks so very much for the sweet comment and for stopping by! Have a fantastic Valentine’s Day (and upcoming weekend)!
I would say there is always time for cupcakes! Especially these ones 🙂 Love everything about them and they are absolutely perfect for the day. Happy Valentine’s!
It definitely is, Jennifer! Thanks so much and Happy Valentine’s to you too 🙂
Well happy early birthday to your fur baby! I spoil my four legged baby rotten, so I completely understand why Valentine’s day is extra special for you! Speaking of, so glad we get to celebrate together… even if it is virtually! These cupcakes are fabulous, Dawn! I LOVE that white chocolate drizzle! And the lemon, raspberry combo is divine! Plus gimme all dat cream cheese frosting!!!!! Pinned! Cheers, lovely!
Fur baby says thanks Cheyanne 😉 ! It definitely was fun celebrating and doing this round up! Love to do it again for sure. Thanks so much for the sweet comment, and Pin! Happy (almost) weekend! Yay 🙂
You weren’t lying about your love of cream cheese frosting! What a fun recipe, Dawn. I love lemon + raspberry, and I love cupcakes…so I’m pretty sure this combo needs to appear in my kitchen. Like yesterday. Also, I love your Valentine’s Day plans! Staying in and cooking is always a great option, and even more so because of your pup’s birthday. Happy (early) V-Day to you, and happy (early) birthday to your pup! 🙂 P.S. You should make the little guy some pupcakes for his birthday. It’s a real thing! I made them once…using ground up dog food. Ick.
Indeed I wasn’t, David! I think I love cream cheese frosting too much, lol 😀 Pup says thanks for the b-day wishes 😉 And happy early Valentine’s Day to you, Laura and Robbie. I’ll definitely have to check out those pupcakes….never heard of before, but I’m sure fur baby would love!
love the lemon and raspberry combo and triple sec?! oh yeah! happy birthday to your fur baby. i can’t think of a better way to spend Valentine’s Day than curled up with the ones your love , a big bowl of hearty pasta, and finishing it off with these delectable sweets. so great teaming up with you…i can’t wait to try your recipe!
Thanks Cathy! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate either 🙂 I had a blast and we’ll have to do it again sometime soon! Thanks for including me! Have a fantastic weekend!
How sweet are these?! Sweet to taste and sweet to look at! My honey would be a very happy camper to receive these! Such a lovely Valentine’s you have planned for you and your fella and fur baby! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Awwww….thanks Annie! Definitely looking forward to it, for sure 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend too! XOXO
These look so moist!! just craving all the flavors together!! can just imagine the raspberry with the cream cheese! yumm
Thanks so much, Gaila! Hope you get a chance to try them 🙂
Sounds like you and the hubs and your sweet little fur baby will be having a wonderful Valentine’s Day together Dawn! My favorite is to stay in and cook too!( We still need to get your husband to teach my husband how to make homemade pasta though!! )
I love the flavors of these adorable little cupcakes! Anything lemon and count me in. And the cream cheese frosting and raspberries are perfect on top! Pinning and can’t wait to try!
Most definitely, Mary Ann! I started out making the pasta in our home and then hubby started doing it and has been ever since….who am I to stop him 😉 ? I just sit back and watch (maybe with a glass of vino). I’m a big fan of lemon too! Thanks so much for the kind words and Pin. Have a great weekend! xo
What a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, Dawn! I love the cream cheese frosting and drizzle. My kind of treat1 And that’s so exciting that it’s your fur baby’s birthday, even more reason to celebrate! I’m not really big into Valentine’s, but my husband and I have the tradition to order a heart-shaped pizza…I look forward to it every year! 🙂
Thanks a million, Gayle! Heart-shaped pizza? That’s too sweet! I bet it taste extra special, right? Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Dawn – these are so cute and the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Loving that white chocolate drizzle. Isn’t everything better with white chocolate drizzle? Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Thank you Karen! Agreed! Chocolate drizzle does make everything better 😉 Happy Valentine’s Day and have a lovely weekend!