When you’re craving something bright, minty, and just a little unexpected, these Lemon Peppermint Crisp Cupcakesare here to shake up your baking game. With their zesty lemon base, crunchy peppermint chocolate bits, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, they’re the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and refreshing.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a birthday party, or just to brighten someone’s day, these cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why I Love This Recipe
These cupcakes are light yet indulgent, bringing together the tang of lemon and the crunch of Peppermint Crisp—South Africa’s iconic minty chocolate bar. The whipped cream topping keeps things airy and playful, making this dessert ideal for warmer months or festive winter baking with a twist.
Plus, they come together fast—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup crushed Peppermint Crisp
- 1 cup whipped cream (for topping)
🛠️ Substitutions & Additions
- No Peppermint Crisp? Substitute with crushed peppermint chocolate bark, Andes mints, or crushed mint chocolate cookies.
- Boost the lemon: Add zest of 1 lemon to the batter for extra brightness.
- Whipped cream: Stabilized whipped cream or piping-friendly whipped topping will hold up best.
- Want more sweetness? Drizzle with a light lemon glaze under the whipped topping.
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Peppermint Crisp Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and lemon juice until fully combined.
Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and crushed Peppermint Crisp until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Decorate
Once cooled, pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of each cupcake and sprinkle with more crushed Peppermint Crisp.
🌟 Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better texture.
- Chill the cupcakes before topping if your kitchen is warm—whipped cream melts fast!
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for a beautiful whipped cream swirl.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes are perfect for:
- Afternoon tea
- Birthday parties
- Holiday cookie exchanges with a twist
- Baby showers or bridal brunches
Want more playful, cheerful treats? Pair these with:
- These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- This Edible Cookie Dough
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: Bake cupcakes a day early and frost just before serving for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and top with fresh whipped cream before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Peppermint Crisp Cupcakes offer the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and minty crunch, wrapped in a soft, fluffy bite. They’re light, refreshing, and totally addictive—exactly what a cupcake should be.
Tried them? Share a photo and tag @chefmaniac! And don’t forget to subscribe for more unique cupcake flavors, easy bakes, and sweet surprises from the test kitchen.
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