Description
These Arnold Palmer Cupcakes combine the refreshing flavors of lemon and tea in a moist cupcake topped with a smooth, lemon-infused tea buttercream frosting. Perfect for a delightful twist on classic cupcakes, they celebrate the iconic Arnold Palmer drink with a sweet, citrusy, and lightly brewed tea flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 2 tea bags
- 3 large eggs
- â…“ cup oil
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 tea bag
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- yellow food coloring, a few drops
Instructions
- Steep Tea for Cupcakes: Heat water to boiling and place 2 tea bags in the boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line 24 muffin pan cups with cupcake liners.
- Mix Cupcake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat together the lemon cake mix, cooled tea, eggs, and oil at medium speed with a hand-held mixer for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake Cupcakes: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Steep Tea for Buttercream Cream: In a small saucepan, bring the heavy whipping cream (or milk) to a simmer, then remove from heat. Place one tea bag in the hot cream and let it steep for 5 minutes. After steeping, discard the tea bag and refrigerate the cream until completely cool.
- Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Make Buttercream Frosting: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the 6 cups of powdered sugar, the cooled tea-infused cream, and lemon extract to the butter. Mix until the frosting reaches a light and fluffy consistency. Add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix well. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously with the lemon tea buttercream frosting. Serve and enjoy your Arnold Palmer Cupcakes!
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, you can steep the tea bags longer or use an extra tea bag in the cream.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, substitute half the butter with shortening.
- All ingredients should be at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
