These Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are incredibly fluffy, bursting with tangy lemon flavor, and filled with juicy raspberries. Perfect for dessert or a delightful snack, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Ready in just 35 minutes—let’s make some delicious Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes magic!
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes Recipe
This recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:
Ready in 35 minutes
Perfect for all ages (kid-friendly!)
Easy to make and eat
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients for Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
Main Ingredients:
1 box white cake mix
1 cup buttermilk (instead of water)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh raspberries
Coating/Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Serving Suggestions:
Fresh raspberries for garnish
Lemon zest curls
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
In a medium bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.
In a separate small bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with 12 liners.
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries into the cake batter.
Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting with the lemon cream cheese icing.
Top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Serve immediately, or store in the fridge to enjoy later.
Recipe Yield, Prep Time & Nutritional Information
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approx. 290 kcal per serving
Flavor Variations for Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
Customize this recipe with these tasty variations:
Stuffed Version:
Add chocolate chips or cream cheese inside before baking.
Seasonal Twist:
Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a citrus twist.
Healthier Option:
Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a healthier alternative.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free cake mix to suit dietary needs.
Savory Twist:
Skip sweet ingredients and add herbs for a fun savory cupcake.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a toaster oven to regain fluffiness. Avoid microwaving for the best results.
FAQs About Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
Can I prepare these ahead?
Yes! Bake, cool, and store in the fridge, reheating before serving.
Which cake mix works best?
A simple white cake mix is perfect for these cupcakes.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely! These cupcakes are baked, so no frying is needed.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the cupcakes and reheating in the oven is easy.
Can I omit the sugar coating?
Certainly! Serve them plain or add fresh fruit for decoration.
What toppings pair well?
Try whipped cream, fruit sauces, or a drizzle of caramel.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar content to your taste.
Are they kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These cupcakes are fun to make and enjoy.
Can I scale the recipe up for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double or triple the ingredients and bake in batches.
Final Thoughts on These
These Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes are simple, tasty, and a definite crowd-pleaser. With their fluffy interior and light lemon flavor, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat. Serve with your favorite toppings, and watch how quickly they disappear from your dessert table. One taste, and this easy recipe will become a regular family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup buttermilk (in place of water)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Gently fold in fresh raspberries.
- Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, beat softened butter and cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and top with a raspberry and sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve or refrigerate until ready.
Notes
To make these gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix. For extra lemon flavor, add 1/4 tsp lemon extract to the batter. Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 2 days.