Citrus Bliss Cupcakes with Meringue Delight

Indulge in the delightful fusion of zesty citrus and cloud-like meringue with our unique Citrus Bliss Cupcakes. This innovative twist on the classic Lemon Meringue Pie brings together a lightly lemon-flavored cupcake, a burst of homemade lemon curd, and a heavenly toasted meringue frosting. Elevate your cupcake experience with layers of flavor and texture that make each bite truly unforgettable.

Citrus-Infused Cupcake Base: Begin your Citrus Bliss Cupcakes with the foundation of our Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, enhanced with a hint of fresh lemon zest for a subtle citrus undertone. The moist and easy-to-create cupcakes set the stage for the layers of flavor to follow.

Luscious Lemon Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine three egg yolks, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, lemon juice, loosely packed lemon zest, water, and melted butter.
2. Whisking constantly over low heat, cook until the lemon filling is smooth and thick, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Set aside the tantalizing lemon filling, boasting a stronger and more tart flavor than store-bought alternatives.

Meringue Finale:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees while you embark on the cupcake journey.
2. Prepare the cupcake batter by beating unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Introduce eggs, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour, beating until just combined.
4. Divide the batter into 12 cupcake liners, bake for 15-16 minutes until the cupcakes firm up, and allow them to cool slightly.

Whipped Meringue Peaks:

1. Whip up the meringue by beating three egg whites with a pinch of salt until the mixture begins to stiffen.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until the meringue forms stiff and picturesque peaks—exercise caution not to overbeat.

Assembling the Citrus Bliss Cupcakes:

1. With a sharp knife, carve a 1″ diameter center from each cupcake, leaving a layer of cupcake beneath.
2. Discard or savor the tempting cupcake core.
3. Fill the cupcake centers with the luscious homemade lemon filling.

Baking Perfection:

1. Distribute dollops of meringue over each cupcake, spreading them to the edges and gently tapping with the back of a spoon to form peaks.
2. Return the cupcakes to the oven for an additional 5-6 minutes until the meringue peaks achieve a golden brown allure.
3. Remove from the oven, let them cool for 10 minutes, and then refrigerate for an hour or more before serving.

Conclusion:

Elevate your dessert repertoire with the Citrus Bliss Cupcakes—a harmonious blend of citrus-infused cupcakes, luscious lemon filling, and ethereal meringue peaks. This unique take on the classic Lemon Meringue Pie delivers a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Immerse yourself in the joy of baking and sharing these absolutely delicious cupcakes with your loved ones.