National Lemon Cupcake Day is on December 15 each year. A day that’s all about bite-sized pieces of heaven filled with lemony goodness? Sign us up! Out of all the cupcakes in the world, the humble lemon cupcake remains our favorite. A little bit sweet, a little tart — the distinctive taste of lemon cupcakes is hard to beat. There’s something about them that immediately reminds us of summer afternoons at home. And we love how there’s a day dedicated to this unassuming cake in a cup.
History of National Lemon Cupcake Day
Who invented National Lemon Cupcake Day? Nobody knows for sure, but we’re glad someone did. What we know is that cupcakes have been around a while. The United States can lay some claim to inventing cupcakes. One of the earliest mentions of a “cupcake” was in 1796 as a recipe notation. In her book “American Cookery,” Amelia Simmons mentions “a light cake to bake in small cups” in her notes.
Soon, baking tiny cakes in their own molds became an easy and popular method with cooks everywhere. Cupcakes were the perfect dessert. Quick to make, easy on waistlines. They were the quintessential snack cake everyone needed.
The 20th century elevated the cupcake with an addition that made all the difference — frosting! And there’s been no looking back since. From kitchens of talented home chefs to fine dining — the cupcake today is everywhere. Would a coffee run be complete without cupcakes? You must be joking, for sure. Is a kids’ birthday party even a party without cupcakes? The world thinks not.
The sheer variety of cupcakes today is dizzying. There are traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate frosting. Some have toppings of coconut, cream cheese, peanut butter, or even laced with a wee bit of Guinness. The possibilities are endless.
But if it’s a classic you seek, nothing can beat the unadulterated flavor of the humble lemon cupcake. Typically made with standard cupcake ingredients but with lemon-flavored batter, it’s comfort food at its finest. And this is why we celebrate Lemon Cupcake Day each year on 15 December. Not only for how great they taste, but how happy they make us.
National Lemon Cupcake Day timeline
Amelia Simmons describes how to make tiny cakes in her cookbook “American Cookery.”
Eliza Leslie publishes the first cupcake recipe in her cookbook “Receipts.”
The American bakery company “Hostess” introduces cupcakes or snack cakes in stores.
For the first time, cupcakes come with delicious frosting and the rest is history.
National Lemon Cupcake Day FAQs
What day is National Cupcake Day?
15 December each year is National Cupcake Day. The day is also known as Lemon Cupcake Day.
What is the most popular cupcake flavor?
Some of the most popular cupcake flavors are vanilla, blueberry, lemon, and chocolate.
Why are cupcakes called cupcakes?
In the late 19th century, the term ‘cupcake’ referred to cakes where recipes called for cupfuls of ingredients — namely, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs.
How To Celebrate National Lemon Cupcake Day
Bake lemon cupcakes
We love cupcakes because they’re so simple to make. And lemon cupcakes are one of the easiest. All you need to do is add a twist of lemon to classic cupcake ingredients. Get everyone involved for some fun family time.
Eat lemon cupcakes
Pick up a few lemon cupcakes from your favorite bakery. Sit back, relax, and savor this lemony treat. Check if your local bakery has a special deal on lemon cupcakes today.
Send cupcakes to people you love
Order batches of lemon cupcakes a few days before and get them delivered to family, friends, and neighbors. It’s the perfect way to show people you care. Nothing says “love” more than a classic lemon cupcake.
5 Facts About Muffins That Will Blow Your Mind
Muffins aren’t cupcakes
Batter consistency, frosting, and mixing differentiate one from the other.
Hawkers in 19th century England sold muffins
Since most houses did not have ovens, hawkers went door to door to sell this beloved snack bread.
Some states have official muffins
Minnesota’s official state muffin is blueberry, while New York’s is (surprise surprise) apple!
The largest muffin weighed 323 lb
Schär and NIP food in Milan made muffin history with their creation on 16 October 2015.
Blueberry for the win
Blueberry is America’s most popular muffin flavor.
Why We Love National Lemon Cupcake Day
A timeless dessert
In a world inundated with options, we love the elegance of a classic lemon cupcake. A special day for lemon cupcakes is precisely what the world needs.
Reaping the benefit of lemons
Lemons have unparalleled health benefits — even in desserts. Most lemon cupcakes have all the goodness of dessert without the over-indulgence.
It reminds us of summer
Nothing evokes summer or spring vibes like the lemon cupcake. Bringing summer sunshine home (despite December) is easy, thanks to Lemon Cupcake Day!
National Lemon Cupcake Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 15 | Friday |
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