Kicking it off with an Oldie but a Goodie- Gram's Lemon Cupcakes

Five years ago this month, I decided to start a blog. I was looking for a place that I could store my recipes, photographs and reviews, and this seemed like the perfect way to do it.  The very first recipe that I posted was my Gram's Lemon Cupcakes.  The text was one line, "This one comes from my grandmother, super simple, but so good!"

In the weeks that followed, I added hundreds of posts, containing years of family favorites, using mostly snapshots taken with an actual camera, printed on paper, which I then scanned and uploaded to a photo hosting site.  Most were terrible, but it gave me an idea of what the finished dish should look like.

Years passed, with no one even looking at the blog but me and a few friends.  A few years ago, through Facebook, I met more bloggers, and was invited to participate in some themed, sponsored events. I was so excited when I got my first comments on a post that didn't come from someone I knew! 

This summer, I was contacted by Nielsen Massey to try out their new Pure Lemon Paste and give an honest review of it.  I immediately thought of my Gram's recipe, and how awesome it would be to mark this five year blogging anniversary by updating it.   

I considered all kinds of ways to "blog up" the original.  Make the cake from scratch. Change the traditional powdered sugar dusting to a glaze.  In the end, I decided that the change I would make would be a simple one.  I used one tablespoon of the Pure Lemon Paste and added it to the cake batter.

It's something I've thought of doing in so many dishes, adding that pop of lemon flavor, but I never have fresh lemons on hand when I need them.  It's so much more convenient to be able to reach in the cabinet and grab some when needed, no juicing or zesting required!  Such a time saver, and I can't wait to use it in more dishes.
 
I just want to thank you all for your continued support.  I love hearing from you, so if you try a recipe, reach out through the blog or on Facebook and let me know!

 

Gram's Lemon Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 package lemon cake mix -- plus ingredients to make cake
• 1 Tablespoon Nielsen Massey Pure Lemon Paste
• 1 package lemon pudding or pie filling -- plus ingredients to make filling
• powdered sugar -- for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare pie filling per box directions up to 1 day ahead. Prepare lemon cake mix according to directions, adding Pure Lemon Paste. Fill 12 lined muffin cups (I like to use an extra large cookie scoop). Bake according to package time.
2. Cool cupcakes in pan 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Using a small knife, cut cone shape out of top of each cupcake (like making a lid on a jack o' lantern). Spoon pie filling into each hole. Replace lid, pressing down slightly. Dust with powdered sugar.

Recommended Products

Wilton Perfect Results Muffin Pan

Oxo Good Grips Large Cookie Scoop

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies

Strawberry Rhubarb Quick Bread

lemon, Grandma's recipes

Cupcakes, Dessert

American

*Disclaimer- I was given a bottle of Nielsen Massey's Pure Lemon Paste to test.  All opinions are honest and my own.  This post has been updated with new photos, text and a printable recipe card.