Lemon Raspberry Jam Cupcakes

I originally published this recipe in 2014 and have since included a jam filling, plus new photos and a few more success tips. While they may look innocent, these pretty cupcakes pack a strong flavor punch. They’ve been my go-to summer cupcake recipe for over a decade because they’re always well received, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to improve upon their pink perfection. The buttercream on top used to double as the cupcakes’ filling, but swapping it for raspberry jam/preserves lends a burst of intense fruitiness. It was a convenient swap because you also use raspberry jam in the frosting itself. The lemon and raspberry flavors were both stronger after this switch, and it left me with more buttercream to use on top. Taste testers swooned over this batch, so I decided to make it a permanent change. Truly better than ever!

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Details:

Flavor: Tangy-fresh lemon citrus flavor balanced with sweet berry jam and buttercream. Texture: The cupcakes have a soft, springy, and moist crumb. It’s the same lemon cupcake recipe I’ve trusted for years, and you’ll see it again with these lemon blueberry cupcakes. Ease: The cupcake batter itself is probably the most straightforward cupcake batter I’ve ever worked with. You need a mixer to make it. You’ll fill the lemon cupcakes with jam, then mix together the raspberry buttercream. Filling cupcakes is quite simple—you just need a paring knife and teaspoon.

Grab These Ingredients for the Cupcakes:

Flour: All-purpose flour is the base. Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise. You do not need baking soda in this recipe. Salt: A little salt adds flavor and balances all the sweet. Butter: I favor neutral oil in my cakes and cupcakes because it makes cakes exceptionally moist. However, when I’m looking for a buttery taste and cakey texture, I use creamed butter. Sugar: Cream this with the butter to produce a soft, cakey base for the batter. Eggs: 2 eggs add structure and richness. Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds flavor. You can use homemade vanilla extract if you have a batch going! Milk: Milk adds moisture. Milk with fat such as whole milk, buttermilk, or 2% milk is your best choice here. (Nondairy milk is great in a pinch.) Lemons: Grab 2 lemons for the cupcake batter. You need the zest and juice, plus a little juice for the raspberry buttercream.

The ingredient list is pretty similar to my lemon cake. Hold onto this dessert recipe; you can pair these lemon cupcakes with a variety of frostings and fillings. And they’re very easy to make. The recipe conveniently makes exactly 1 dozen. After you bake and cool them, it’s time to fill with jam. Let me give you some advice on filling cupcakes.

Filling the Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

It’s best to use a thick jam (or thick preserves). You can use seedless if you prefer, but with all of the other soft and creamy textures, you won’t notice a couple seeds in the filling. I always use and strongly recommend Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves. (Not sponsored, just a big fan!) We’re using the same method I use to fill these cream-filled chocolate cupcakes and these strawberry shortcake cupcakes. See my How to Fill Cupcakes tutorial and video if you need any extra help with this step. With a sharp knife, cut a circle in the cupcake and remove the center, which will be roughly the shape of a cone. Using a small spoon, fill the middle of the cupcake with all the jam/preserves that can fit. (Usually between 1–2 teaspoons.) Slice/tear off the pointed tip of the cone-shaped piece of cupcake, and gently press the round piece back on top of the filling. Let me show you: It doesn’t have to look pretty on top, because you’ll top the cupcakes with buttercream.

Creamy Raspberry Jam Buttercream

The raspberry buttercream is pretty close to my vanilla buttercream. It’s slightly scaled down to make room for the raspberry preserves, and has the perfect amount of sweet raspberry flavor. I find a dash of salt and a splash of lemon juice both help balance the sweet. If you need more excuses to make it, you’ll love it on these vanilla cupcakes or these blueberries and cream cupcakes. It’s also wonderful as a filling for homemade eclairs. Two Success Tips: I used Wilton 1M to pipe the frosting on the pictured cupcakes. Don’t forget a fresh raspberry and lemon slice for garnish!