Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (for lemon curd)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for lemon curd)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for lemon curd)
• 3 large egg whites (for meringue)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter among the lined cupcake cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in butter until smooth. Let cool.
8. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until glossy stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract.
9. Once cupcakes are cooled, cut a cone-shaped piece out of the top of each cupcake. Fill the center with a spoonful of the cooled lemon curd.
10. Pipe the meringue over the filled cupcakes, creating peaks and swirls. Toast lightly with a kitchen torch or under the broiler until golden brown.

Nutrition