Stripes of sweet crimson jam give otherwise ordinary-looking cupcakes a striking finish. The cupcakes are tender (thanks to yogurt in the batter) but slice easily into even layers. Serve these cheerful treats at an afternoon tea, or box them up for gift giving.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 24
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush standard muffin tins with butter; dust with flour, tapping out excess. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2
With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar; whisk until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat). Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
Step 3
In another bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter until smooth. Add remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the zest; beat until pale and fluffy. Add yolks, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Mix in lemon juice and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of yogurt, and beating until just combined after each. Whisk one third of the egg-white mixture into batter to lighten, then gently fold in remaining whites.
Step 4
Divide batter evenly among prepared cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes.
Step 5
To finish, use a serrated knife (and a gentle sawing motion) to slice each cupcake twice horizontally to make three even layers. Spread a thin layer of jam (about 1 teaspoon) on each bottom layer, then top with middle layers. Spread another layer of jam on each middle layer. Top with third cupcake layer, pressing gently on top so layers adhere. Filled cupcakes can be stored up to 3 days at room temperature in airtight containers. Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.
