Cupcakes

• 3 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sifted Swans Down® Cake Flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Zest of 1 lemon, finely chopped (or use microplane zester)
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2 to 3 lemons)

For Frosting

• 1 batch Russian Buttercream
• Sprinkles (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line 2 standard cupcake pans with liners. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract and continue beating until combined. Add buttermilk, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until incorporated (it may look broken). Add flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on metal rack.
4. Place Russian Buttercream Frosting in piping bag fitted with star tip. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.