LAURIE'S LUSCIOUS LEMON CUPCAKES

CAKE
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
2 - 8 oz cartons sour cream
2 teaspoons lemon zest

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. Beat butter on high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternating each several times. Stir in lemon peel. Fill tins with 1/4 cup batter and bake 18 minutes.

FROSTING
3 tablespoons butter
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla. Beat in 1 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar. If needed, add milk. Stir in lemon zest.