Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cupcakes

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ¼ tsp baking soda
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - ½ cup buttermilk
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For the Filling

11 - ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves
12 - ½ cup lemon curd

→ For the Frosting

13 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar
15 - 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
16 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
17 - Fresh raspberries for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and lemon zest.
04 - Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
05 - Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Once cooled, use a knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake. Fill the cavity with half raspberry jam and half lemon curd. Replace the top piece to seal.
08 - For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and enough cream to achieve the desired consistency. Beat until fluffy.
09 - Pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake and garnish with a fresh raspberry on top.

# Notes:

01 - Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
02 - Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
03 - Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle raspberry sauce over the frosting for extra flair.
04 - Substitute the lemon curd with lime curd or the raspberry jam with strawberry jam for a twist on flavors.