8oz(226g)brick cream cheese, COLD (full fat or Neufchatel)
1 ½cups(180g)powdered sugar
⅛tspsalt
1tspvanilla extract
1 ½cups(355ml)heavy whipping cream or heavy cream, COLD
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 400˚F for high altitude). Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and yellow food coloring, if desired. Mix until combined.
Add the flour in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape the bowl as necessary. Mix until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fill each cupcake liner ⅔ full (not ¾ or they will overflow).
Bake at 375˚F (or 400˚F for high altitude) for 15-20 minutes or until cake springs back when touched or a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
FOR THE FROSTING: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds. Scrape bowl. Then add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla and mix until combined. Scrape bowl. Switch to the whisk attachment and whip frosting on medium speed while slowly adding the heavy cream until light, fluffy, and thick. Scraping the bowl as needed. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes immediately. Refrigerate frosted cupcakes and any extra frosting. (Good for topping waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, etc.) *SEE NOTES*
Notes
Can substitute 4 tsp of lemon zest with 2 tsp of lemon extract.
*Make buttermilk with 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or white distilled vinegar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Remove frosted cupcakes from fridge 20-30 minutes before serving to remove the chill and soften the cake -- OR -- Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and just refrigerate the frosting in piping bag. Place the piping bag inside of a zip-top bag to keep fresh. Then pipe frosting onto cupcakes just before serving.