Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Here's a recipe for delicious pink lemonade cupcakes:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pink lemonade concentrate (thawed if frozen)
• Pink food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons pink lemonade concentrate
• 1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional)
• Lemon zest and slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and pink lemonade concentrate to the batter, mixing until fully incorporated. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the pink lemonade concentrate, until the desired consistency is reached. If desired, add a drop or two of pink food coloring for a brighter color.
11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the pink lemonade frosting using a piping bag or spatula.
12. Garnish with lemon zest and slices if desired, then serve and enjoy your delightful pink lemonade cupcakes!

These cupcakes are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or any time you're craving a sweet and tangy treat!