Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes

The key to strong lemon flavor in baked goods is lemon extract.  The juice is wonderful of course, but it's high acid content can alter the product if you add too much.  If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, leave the extract out.

This recipe makes about a dozen, but as long as you're going to the trouble to make them you should definitely double it!

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

10 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg at room temp

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk at room temp

1/2 cup 2% milk at room temp

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 cup blueberries tossed with 1 tablespoon flour

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with baking spray.
2. Cream butter and sugar together.  Let mixer continue to run while you sift together dry ingredients.
3. Set dry ingredients aside.  Add egg to running mixer.  Combine well.
4. Add vanilla and lemon extracts.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk and buttermilk, mixing after each addition until well combined.
6. Turn off mixer and stir in lemon rind and blueberries by hand.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and the centers spring back when touched.
8. Cool in pan 5 minutes before turning out onto cooling rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

2 ounces cream cheese or 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

To prepare frosting, place cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon rind, vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed just until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar (do not overbeat). Stir in juice. Spread frosting evenly over cupcakes; garnish with blueberries, if desired. Store, covered, in refrigerator.