Lemon-Scented Blueberry Cupcakes

Lemon-Scented Blueberry Cupcakes

Lemon-Scented Blueberry Cupcakes

Studded with plump, juicy fresh berries, these cupcakes are fun for birthdays and special occasions. Be as creative as you want when frosting the cupcakes. For a more homespun look, use a small, flat spatula. Want to be fancy? Pipe frosting onto cupcakes with a pastry bag fitted with a star tip for a fun, swirled appearance.

Ingredients:

CUPCAKES:

1 1/2 cups (about 6 3/4 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided

10 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 large egg

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

FROSTING:

1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Fresh blueberries (optional)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°.

Place 12 decorative paper muffin cup liners into muffin cups.

To prepare cupcakes, lightly spoon 1 1/2 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Measure 1 tablespoon flour; level with a knife. Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour plus 1 tablespoon flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Combine melted butter and egg in another large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add buttermilk, milk, and 1 teaspoon rind to butter mixture; stir with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Toss blueberries with remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Fold blueberries into batter. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

To prepare frosting, place cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon rind, vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed just until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar (do not overbeat). Stir in juice. Spread frosting evenly over cupcakes; garnish with blueberries, if desired. Store, covered, in refrigerator.