Ingredients:

  • 175g (1 ½ cups) All-purpose flour (plain flour), sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 175g (¾ cup) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g (¾ cup) Granulated sugar
  • 3 Large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Milk
  • 50g (¼ cup) Granulated sugar
  • 50ml (¼ cup) Water
  • 2 tbsp Elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain) OR Elderflower cordial
  • 200g (1 cup) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 400g (3 ½ cups) Icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Milk
  • Optional: Yellow food colouring (gel is best!)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in elderflower liqueur or cordial.
  11. While cupcakes are still slightly warm, poke holes in the top with a toothpick and slowly drizzle with elderflower syrup.
  12. Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sifted icing sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and milk. Add a drop or two of yellow food colouring, if desired.
  13. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with lemon buttercream. Use a piping bag and tip for a decorative finish, or simply spread with a knife.