Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325ºF (170ºC).
• In a medium bowl, cream the butter and slowly add the sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
• Sift the flour and baking powder into the sugar mixture. Add salt and mix until just combined.
• Add the vanilla, milk, and lemon juice, and mix until incorporated.
• Scoop mixture into a lined cupcake tin about ¾ full.
• Bake 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly from the center of the cupcakes. Let cupcakes cool.
• Prepare the lemon curd by whisking the yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, add the lemon juice and zest. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
• Once the curd coats the back of a spoon, add the butter and stir until melted.
• Remove from the heat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Make sure the cling film touches the surface of the curd so that a film doesn’t form on top.
• Prepare the frosting by whisking the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until it thickens and the sugar dissolves completely. Tempering the eggs will ensure the frosting is food safe without being baked.
• Remove from the heat, add the cream of tartar, and beat about 10 minutes until soft peaks form.
• Using a piping tip or a knife, cut a hole into the top of the cupcakes and press down to make a well for the curd.
• Add lemon curd into the cupcakes and frost them with the meringue.
• Torch the frosting or carefully broil for about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure that you use foil cupcake liners if broiling!
• Enjoy!