Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Lemon Filling:
- 3 egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. lemon zest, loosely packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Cupcakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- For the lemon filling: Combine egg yolks, sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice, zest, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter. Set aside to cool.
- For the cupcakes: Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then lemon juice. Mix dry ingredients and combine with the wet mixture. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool.
- For the meringue: Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Cut a small hole in the top of each cupcake and fill with lemon filling. Top with meringue.
- Brown the meringue with a kitchen torch or under a broiler for a few seconds.
Cook Notes
- The lemon filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before filling.
Variations
- Lime Meringue Cupcakes: Substitute lemon juice and zest with lime.
- Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes: Add a raspberry in the center for a fruity surprise.
Keto Version
Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a keto-friendly sweetener, and a sugar-free lemon filling.
Low-Carb Version
Substitute regular sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use a low-carb flour alternative.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes):
- Calories: 220-270
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g (Note: Lower for Keto and Low-Carb versions)
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Fiber: 0.5-1g
- Sugar: 20-25g
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.