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Home » Recipes » Vegetable Desserts

Cucumber and Lemon Cupcakes with Pimm’s Icing

Published: Jul 31, 2015 · Modified: Feb 16, 2020 by Kate Hackworthy · 21 Comments

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These lemon and cucumber cupcakes are topped with a boozy Pimm's Icing! The flavour of the cucumber is subtle in the lemon sponge.

Cucumber cupcakes with pimms frosting on a gold stand next to strawberries and cupcakes

Cucumber and lemon in water is lovely, isn't it? But let's leave that to the health spa brigade for the moment.

Let's take those lovely, fresh flavours and turn them into cupcakes! Cucumber cupcakes!

The delicate cucumber flavour is subtle and pairs well with the zingy lemon.

I've topped it with a slightly boozy Pimm's frosting which is full of flavor.

Detox water in cucumber cupcake form, with a boozy buttercream. Because we all need days of decadence.

A cucumber cupcake with Pimm's frosting with a bite out showing the pale green cake, with a bottle of Pimms Cup in the background

Pimm's is a quintessential British alcohol with a summery fruit taste.

It's usually paired with fizzy lemonade (the UK kind, like 7up or Sprite) and poured into a glass packed with strawberries, mint, cucumber, lemon and ice.

They recently came out with a strawberry and mint flavoured Pimm's so I've used that in this icing, though the traditional one works well, too. If you can't get hold of any Pimm's, try using any fruit punch or berry juice that you like.

Get the Cucumber Cupcakes recipe

 

📖 Recipe

Cucumber cupcakes with pimms frosting on a gold stand next to strawberries and cupcakes

Cucumber and Lemon Cupcakes with Pimm’s Icing

Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
A fresh and delicate lemon cupcake with a hint of cucumber flavour. Topped with Pimm's Cup icing. Pimm's is a British alcoholic drink with fruity flavours. If you can't find it, substitute with strawberry juice.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 219 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 7 oz (200g) cucumber (about half a cucumber)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ½ cup (115g) butter at room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ⅛ cups 150g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Pimms Icing:

  • ⅓ cup (75g) butter softened
  • (150g) powdered icing sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Pimm’s fruity alcoholic drink

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 170C/325F. Line a 12 cup muffin tray.
  • Leave the skin on the cucumber and de-seed it by cutting it in half lengthways and scraping the seeds out with a teaspoon. No need to be too thorough – it’s just to make sure it isn’t too watery. Cut into chunks and puree until smooth in a blender. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together for a few minutes until pale.
  • Add the vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time, beating each one in well.
  • Stir in ⅓ of the flour (with the salt), then add ⅓ of the cucumber and continue alternating until it is all combined.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly in the tin then cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

For the Pimm's Frosting

  • Beat the butter, icing sugar and Pimms together until smooth and fluffy. Add more Pimms if necessary to make it a frosting consistency. Keep in the fridge until ready to ice the cupcakes.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

 

 

 

 

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Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Lou | Crumbs & Corkscrews

    June 05, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    5 stars
    These sound intriguing, even for someone that's not a fan of cucumber, like me. A subtle cucumber flavour and a dash of Pimms in the icing and I'll definitely give them a go!

    Reply
  2. Nancy Zuber

    January 14, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    5 stars
    This was a big hit with friends and family.

    Reply
  3. Foodie Quine (@foodiequine)

    August 13, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    5 stars
    I adore Pimm's. Its the quintessential taste of summer. Intrigued to try the Strawberry version now.

    Reply
  4. choclette

    August 07, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    Well these sound very good, but you've got me at Pimms infused spinach shortcakes - wow!!!

    Reply
  5. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    August 05, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    This is brilliant! Love the creativity (and awesome flavors - cucumbers & Pimms! In a cupcake - yes!!)!

    Reply
  6. rose

    August 05, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Kate! I've never heard of cucumber cupcakes until I saw your post in Enjoying Yummy Recipes...! Thanks for sharing your love of vegetables through this site!

    Greetings from Buenos Aires!
    felicia

    Reply
  7. ladygourmet

    August 05, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    These cupcakes are beautiful. I am so intrigued by this recipe...I cannot wait to give it a try. Pinning for later. You have a beautiful site and many wonderful recipes...happy to have found it. Have a wonderful day, Catherine xo

    Reply
  8. Jan @GlugofOil

    August 05, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Seems a great way to detox to me! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Ceri @Natural Kitchen Adventures

    August 04, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    5 stars
    I quite happen to love cucumber water, but then I also love Pimms so I think this recipe is a real winner. So different too. I'm trying to imagine what it tastes like! Beautiful pics too!

    Reply
  10. Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D)

    August 04, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    This is so innovative, I would ave never thought to add these flavours in a cup cake.

    Reply
  11. lucyparissi

    August 04, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    I love Pimms! Haven't tried it in baking yet but these cupcakes look and sound delicious. Must hunt down that new flavour though I doubt there will be any leftover to use in cupcakes.

    Reply
  12. Jeanne

    August 04, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh - I do like the look of those! And the fact that you mention detoxing and decadent icing in the same sentence ;o) This is what I call a balanced diet!

    Reply
  13. Camilla

    August 04, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Oh these cakes look divine and just love the combination of flavours:-)

    Reply
  14. kellie anderson

    August 04, 2015 at 10:34 am

    You always surprise me with your inventiveness. Especially here with the humble, inexpensive cucumber. Lovely idea, Kate. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sisley White

    August 03, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    What a beautiful cupcake! I can't wait to try these. Thank you so much for the link to my Pimm's Cake x

    Reply
  16. April J Harris (@apriljharris)

    August 02, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    These just say 'summer' to me! Love the Pimms icing too. I can definitely see these figuring on the menu next time I plan afternoon tea in the sunshine 🙂 (If the sunshine hangs around for long enough, please God!)

    Reply
  17. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

    August 01, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    This is genius! You never fail to amaze me with your creations 🙂

    Reply
  18. debi

    August 01, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    These sound great. I bet the cucumber adds a nice light freshness to them.

    Reply
  19. Joanne T Ferguson

    August 01, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    What a gorgeous cupcake and recipe! Pinned and shared!

    Reply
  20. superfitbabe

    August 01, 2015 at 3:31 am

    What refreshing fruits in a beautiful cupcake!! I absolutely love this idea!!

    Reply
  21. Keep Calm and Fanny On

    July 31, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Beauties! If only sunshine came in bottles too we'd be sorted!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. Here you'll find vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes celebrating vegetables, from dinner to dessert! If you love vegetables, you've come to the right place. About Me

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