Valentine’s Day is just a week away, can you believe it?!? I have a few friends that are V-Day Haters. NO, they are not ugly …or single. *smile* They simply think it’s just another commercialized holiday puffed up to make us spend money on things we don’t need. They may very well have a point, but I am personally all about any holiday that promotes kissing, chocolate, and PINK food!
I remember getting a Valentine card from the little boy who sat next to me in second grade; I think his name was Bradley. Of course he gave a small card to everyone in the class, but mine was special. He had made it himself, cutting little hearts out of the center like a heart-shaped paper snowflake. We always put our shoes together under our desks to compare the size of our feet…ah, young love!
Nowadays I’m quite thankful my hubby’s feet are almost double the size of mine. He’s a gem, for more reasons than that he makes my feet look small.
We should appreciate those we love all year long, but sometimes we need a little reminder, or at least I do. I need to recognize that my 5 1/2 year old son is a joy, even when he splashes so much water out of the tub that it floods through the light fixtures below. And sometimes I need to keep in mind that my daughter is a tender-hearted angel, although she leaves a messy trail through every room of the house immediately after I’ve cleaned it! Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do some soul-searching and recollect all the attributes that makes our family and friends so special. I’m SURE they have to do that for me!
Show your sweethearts some love with these little babies! Zingy lemon cupcakes with sweet creamy raspberry frosting. They are perfect to take to a school party or deliver to a friendly neighbor. They could make anyone’s V Day a little bit brighter!
Recipe: Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 3 cups light all-purpose flour (like White Lily)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 Tb. baking powder
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tb. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Frosting:
- 8 oz. cold cream cheese
- ¾ cup room-temperature butter
- ½ cup raspberry jam (“spreadable fruit” is thicker and easier to work with)
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1 drop red food coloring
- 3+ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° F.
- Line cupcake pans with paper liners and spray the liners with non-stick spray. (It makes the liners peel off easier.)
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest and salt in an electric mixer. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, lemon juice and vanilla.
- With the mixer on medium speed, add the wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down the sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not over-beat.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat process with remaining batter. Should make about 30.
- In the electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter and jam together until smooth.
- Add the vanilla, salt and food coloring; mix until an even colored pink is reached.
- Turn the mixer on low and add the powdered sugar a little at a time to avoid a sugar cloud. Then turn the mixer up until the frosting is smooth.
- Place in the refrigerator until and cupcakes are cooled and ready to be frosted.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost the cupcakes and garnish with fresh raspberries.
Preparation time: 30 minute(s)
Cooking time: 20 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 30 cupcakes
~HOUSEKEEPING~
I’d like to respond publicly to a few emails I’ve received from readers, in hopes it will help everyone use ASP to their greatest advantage. I never mind answering such questions. Considering myself technologically inept, if it weren’t for the help of a few “techie” friends and my brilliant 72 year old mother, I’d be drowning in the sea of html code and social media!
Q- Now that you’ve switched from Blogger to WordPress, I don’t know how to include my photo with my comment. Help!
A- This was new to me as well. I learned that you have to create a Gravatar account. Then under “my account” click on “verified services” and select any site where you want your picture to show up. (WordPress) I encourage you to try it. It takes 2 minutes and we bloggers LOVE to match your glorious face to your name!
Q- I can’t print ASP recipes using the print function. What am I doing wrong?
A- I’ve gotten this question a couple times. I’m trying to work out any kinks on my end, but I’ve discovered print issues are most often due to an outdated search engine (assuming your printer is set up correctly.) If the recipes on this site don’t print for you, try downloading the most current version of you web browser, or click “search for updates.” Browsers are constantly coming out with improvements that often leave you with a warped version if you don’t upgrade. In my opinion (and in the opinion of others that know a lot more than I do) Firefox is your best bet for a search engine. It’s simply more progressive than other browsers and allows you functionality that most don’t.
Q- Why does your site look different on my phone?
A- I recently discovered a plug-in called WPtouch that enabled me to convert my website to an “app” format for smart phones. It doesn’t look as pretty, but it is much easier to access on a tiny screen. Give it a try!
Q- I noticed you have 4 different ways to subscribe, what is the best way?
A- We all like to have choices don’t we? I guess the best way to select a subscription method is to consider what you use the most. If you check your email everyday, subscribe by email. If you are constantly on Facebook or Twitter, make use of those. If you have a “reader list” on your browser homepage, subscribe by RSS. To make sure you never miss a post, choose more that one! An email subscription is probably the most consistent way to get notified of new posts, but Twitter or Facebook are best for socializing!
If there are any other questions pertaining to…well, anything that I might possibly know about, please don’t hesitate to ask!
One last thing~
If you have not signed up for themotherhood.com’s FREE online cooking class sponsored by ConAgra Foods, make sure to do it now! I’m fortunate enough to get to host this class with several other incredible bloggers that have a vast array of knowledge; it will be FUN and informative. The class starts at 1 pm EST on Wednesday, February 16th. Mark your calenders, and check out this video for more information!
Nope – don’t realize it’s actually mid-February (did January even happen)? These are delightful and your little monsters seem delightful too!
Those look so delicious! Raspberries, yum, spring!
wow, love seeing such YUM on the screen! looking forward to your class, Spicy!
These are just lovely! I like the combination of lemon and raspberry flavors, yum!
I loved the cupcakes….. and festive frosting makes them more delightful.
Those pinky cupcakes look so pretty! Raspberry atop makes them extremely elegant.
I love this flavor combo and the cupcakes look fantastic. Gorgeous photos!
I love Valentine’s Day (dubbed “single-awareness day) by friends) for exactl;y what you described – the hugs, the kisses and the color red in bleak February. As well as an excuse to turn out these beautiful cupcakes and share. They are so sweet.
These cupcakes look delicious! I don’t have a strong attachment to V Day but I do have a distinct fondness for sweets. As a result, I guess I’m a fan of V Day. And these cupcakes
PS: I LOVE those white beaded plates. So simple and elegant!
Oh my gosh, that’s so cute that you and the boy would put your shoes next to each other to compare the size of your feet. Isn’t it so funny to look back at the things you used to do as a kid and laugh? It’s hilarious sometimes.
Anyways, these cupcakes look delicious – great nod to valentine’s day. The cake part looks so light, almost like an angel food cake.
you just took me back to elementary school. man, those were the days, when everytime someone had a birthday parents would bring cupcakes and valentines day was spent making crafts to take home!! how awesome was childhood. adulthood is such a drag. sigh.
congrats on the show. i can’t wait to watch it!
i just watched the video. it looks great! you two are really good at hosting. I can’t wait to check out the show.
The cupcakes are beautiful. The pictures you took are great! I bet they tast amazing too!
Sommer these cupcakes look beautiful AND delicious! The raspberry on top is perfection, and lemon + raspberry is a winning combo any day. Lovely post, and enjoyed the cute bits about your kids.
What a sweet post
These cupcakes are so pretty, I am afraid if I made cupcakes for my loved ones they would pat me on the head and say “you tried to bake”…Yours however sound fantastic 
Beautiful photos as ever! Love the mix of lemon and raspberry and the PINK…
Here’s to your lovely family. Hope they treat Mum to something special after all her yummy delights!
Yum! I love this flavor combo, and your photos are beautiful:)
cute lil hotties! perfect for valentine day
Great looking cupcakes!! I personally also love pink food, haha. Enjoyed reading your answers to those questions as well!! Thanks so much
What a cute post
And these cupcakes look fabulous. That pink frosting is just too cute!
Oh what glorious cupcakes!!! Just perfectly decorated…and delicious, I’m sure! Lovely job~
Gorgeous cupcakes! I bet they’re addictive!
these look wonderful lovely fruity flavors sweet post
Gorgeous cupcakes! Perfect for V-Day and children V-day parties!
Those cupcakes make me drool! YUM! I don’t hate Valentine’s Day, I just never had a good one! It doesn’t help that I married a Valentine’s Day Hater, just as you described! Oh well!
i love anything that promotes kissing!
These look gorgeous!
Lovely cupcakes. I love the flavor combination and how you presented them.
I’ll bet these ARE delicious! Raspberry and lemon together, lovely. I appreciate my husband’s feet. too! Lovely thoughts, too, about Valentine’s Day.
Oh my god, these are totally gorgeous! I was thinking of making some raspberry buttercream for cupcakes for V-day too, but I don’t know if I can make them as pretty as yours!
I love cupcakes, but I’m so interested in your raspberry cream frosting. It sounds delicious!
Oh goodie .. the January cleansing is over and we can go back to that lucious, beautifully sweet, not good for you food? Your pictures are amazing and I know the cupcakes are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your little stories. We love them!
delicious and beautiful looking cupcakes
Charming cupcakes and I love the mix of flavors.
Your cupcakes are just gorgeous and they look soooo good! Lemon is one of my favorite kinds of cake and I just adore how you paired it with a raspberry cream frosting. I’ve never had a raspberry cream frosting before, it sounds incredible.
These cupcakes are going to get me in trouble, Sommer. “You’re killin me, smalls!”
What a TERRIFIC COMBINATION OF FLAVORS!!! Beautiful recipe for V-day <3 Yes, is always about PINK
–You made me remember looong time ago. How one of my roommates used to decorate the entire house. Red and Pink paper hearts hanging from the ceiling –plus white and pink lights everywhere 
The house used to look like "Barbie Doll House". My other roommates and I used to laugh and laugh. It hilarious sometimes.Isn't? The things we do on V-day !!!
Great Pics, my mouth is watering
Cheers,
Aldy.
These cupcakes look wonderful! My husband loves anything raspberry so I may just hav eto make these for him for Valentines Day!
So gorgeous and I love the color! A nice change from the usual onslaught of chocolate desserts! Not that I’m ever opposed to chocolate, but raspberries and lemon are one of my fave combos
You always make me giggle Sommer. Your little boy sounds like my 4 yr old. GORGEOUS cupcakes. Lovin’ the frosting. Lovely photos:)
i’m somehow in the middle, love all the kissing and chocolate promotion but hate those ugly bears
))
these cupcakes are breathtaking. love the raspberry cream frosting.
thanks for sharing Sommer, hope you’ll have a wonderful Thursday
I think you will have to add me to the list of friends how are valentine’s day’s haters but do we really need V day to make these cupcakes? I didn’t think so
They look so cute and delicious!
What a perfect recipe for valentines day! They are so cute…I love the raspberry on top.
These are the picture of a perfect cupcake. That pink icing topped with a simple red raspberry is just right for Valentine’s day. So sweet!
I personaly live for Feb…love VDay!! a perfect treat for the kiddos and hubby too (swoon) thanks for sharing , have a fab week!
sweetlife
Hey Sommer,
Valentine’s … sweet day isn’t it. A sweet gesture of a perfect pink cupcake should satisfy all the sentimental hunger. Hahaha. Love it!
I’ve never been big on Valentines’ Day, but I am most definitely a fan of cupcakes, and chocolates and anything else that’s sweet …. ok so I guess I’m a fan of Valentine’s Day after all
Send me some cupcakes, please! Those look divine!
Oh WOW those cupcakes are gorgeous!! I am not big on cupcakes, but I would be more than happy to eat those up… they just look so yummy!
Sommer, the cupcakes look so pretty, love the color of the frosting and the combination of lemon and raspberries…the photos are great
Sooo pretty! And who doesn’t love lemon and raspberry together?!?!?
great looking cupcakes. and also thanks for the admin/techno notes.
cheers!
Sommer, these are PERFECT! They look so absolutely delicious, and I agree with Chris and Amy’s comment… who doesn’t love lemon and raspberry together?
I love Valentine’s Day. A true romantic. Those cupcakes are beautiful. Love the flavor combo. I just signed up to watch your cooking show!
These look so sweet!! My guy would go nuts if I make these for Valentines Day. I just might. I also think I could just eat the frosting off every cupcake.
What a lovely Valentines post. Your cupcakes are beautfiul, and you know what is even more beautiful? Your words and recollections. Thanks for always making me smile with your words, photos and recipes. I hope that your Wednesday is full of joy!
This definitely sounds like a refreshing little treat for the big Valentine’s Day!
I’m sitting at my computer first thing in the morning with coffee in hand, and I click on food buzz and this beautiful cupcake greets me. It’s going to be a great day! Well done on the top nine!
hi Sommer
great job with your video and those sweet little cupcakes!!
Congrats on your top 9 today and your upcoming classs with The Motherhood!
Cheers
Dennis
Sommers- congrats on being the Top 9 on Feb 7 and hey these beauties deserve that ! I am in love with them !!
I am not a big fan of valentine day , but these cupcakes are just gorgeous .
Beautiful and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
printing and will be making for dessert on V-Day….yum, yum
Your site looks fantastic! These cupcakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day and your story about Bradley was so sweet.
These are too pretty and I am all for any holiday that celebrates love!
I hate cupcakes. Well, hate is a strong word. I think of them as purveyors of icing and enjoy the un-iced ones. I never buy them as a boughten one is never good. I don’t eat them anywhere unless they look like this! The raspberry is the crowning glory on these. The fresh fruit beckons, but the crumb in your cake can be seen beside the icing. Incredibly tender and light! I love pink, too – but still don’t eat pink icing. Somehow, this looks light and marchmellowy – light like a cloud. Not heavy and thick and rich and buttery. Not that butter is bad. I love it. Just not a pound at a time.
Honestly, I have NEVER seen such gorgeous cupcakes. I made some similar for grade 9 grade with my students. White on white with a raspberry on top. They were pretty, too – but the cake did not have this appearance.
And, I like Valentine’s Day. There can never be enough days to mush and gush and fuss and lust!
valerie
marshmallowy
Your cupcakes are positively luscious! I love the lemon and raspberry combo! Makes me long for summer.
These cupcakes look picture perfect! Congrats on Top 9!
now if I could “veganize” this recipe looks devine!!
Beautiful cupcakes! Love the lovely pink.
You did it again … Top Nine. You go Spicy Lady! I registered for your cooking class on line and did a practice run tonight with the class that was offered. Wanted to make sure I knew how to use the Motherhood.com. I’m ready for you.
Congratulations on your top 9 spot, Sommer! These cupcakes, and your beautiful blog, are well deserving of recognition. I’m so glad to have found your blog and look forward to seeing more
– Georgia
That cupcakes look so sweet, I will try it for weekend, thanks for share your recipes.
Farida
http://kitchensuperfood.com
Pretty, Sommer! I love lemon and berries together-such a classic and delicious combination to never ever be forgotten (smile).
p.s. Nice Top 9er-you’re on a roll, Lady;-)
I just gave these recipes a try for Valentine’s Day and they are DELICIOUS!! The frosting is especially fantastic, I will be using it at every opportunity I can find.
My most favorite combination! I’d love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight over at http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
Love, love these cupcakes. I actually just finished making them. However, my frosting is super runny. I even added four cups of powder sugar. Any tips? I love the flavor and would like to make them again…just need a frosting fix.
Hi Sarah,
Hmmm… I wonder if the raspberry jam you used was more watery than mine?!?
I would definitely just add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. And maybe in the future, strain the jam a little if it seems watery.
Hope this helps!
These are so pretty! I know I’m behind – no longer Valentine’s Day – but still, I’d be happy with a few of these!
Gorgeous cupcakes! Beautiful photos too