A Light Dessert (Sort of): Lemon Poppy Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

Cupcakes are not a trend, they are here forever, and I think that's great. They are delicious, and easy to make. Unlike other baked goods, they are basically fail proof. Not sure why, maybe it's because they are small, or maybe it's because most errors can be hidden by a heavy dollop of frosting. Who knows :)

I developed the following recipe just over the weekend. I don't really think it qualifies as a "light" dessert, but they are lemon-y and that reminds me of healthy things.

1 stick softened unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup lemon zest
1 TB poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup lemon juice

Start by combining flour, soda, powder and salt. Set aside. In separate bowl cream together butter and sugar with hand mixer. Once fluffy add eggs, then zest, then buttermilk, then vanilla, then lemon juice, and finally poppy seeds.

Once combined, slowly add flour mixture.

When full mixed, spoon out 1/4 cup into lined cupcake trays. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes. This will make a dozen.

Vanilla Frosting
1 stick softened unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 - 2 TB milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

With hand mixer, blend butter with sugar. Then stream in milk until frosting forms. Then add vanilla. That's it!