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Perfect Honey Bee Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes with Golden Buttercream

honey bee lemon poppy seed cupcakes - featured image
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These cupcakes combine the delicate floral sweetness of honey with bright lemon zest and poppy seeds for a moist, tender treat topped with silky golden buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup (85g) honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Golden Buttercream Frosting:
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: a tiny pinch of ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in Greek yogurt, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  7. Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then blend in honey, cream or milk, vanilla extract, salt, and optional turmeric.
  11. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using an offset spatula or piping bag.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results. Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes tender. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for bright flavor. Local honey adds depth. Frost cupcakes only when completely cool to prevent melting. Adjust buttercream consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey, lemon, poppy seed, cupcakes, buttercream, easy dessert, baking, sweet treat

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/perfect-honey-bee-lemon-poppy-seed-cupcakes-easy-golden-buttercream-recipe/