Ultimate Lemon Cupcakes

If you like lemon then these are the ticket to a dreamy heaven of luscious lemon.

Cupcakes:

1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 tablespoon coconut rum
2/3 cup milk

preheat oven to 350

In a small bowl combine sugar and lemon zest. Reserve the juice of the lemon for frosting. Using the back of a spoon move the zest and sugar around the bowl applying pressure to break zest up into sugar and infuse flavor. Set aside. In another bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the lemon sugar mixture and mix until well combined. Add the butter and mix on medium low for three minutes. Because of the small amount of butter the mixture will be a fine crumb texture. In a small mixing bowl, mix together eggs, sour cream, oil, and rum until smooth. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Slowly add milk and mix on low speed until justw combined. It is okay if the batter is kind of liquidy. Fill cupcake liners or well greased cupcake pans 1/2 full of batter. Bake 12-14 minutes and test to see if the cupcakes are done. If toothpick comes out clean remove from oven and cool on wire rack. While cooling mix together frosting.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

1 stick of butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon milk

Blend all ingredients together. Frost cupcakes when cool.