Cupcakes
1 cup room temperature butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Citrus Curd
4 egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
5 tablespoons freshly squeezed citrus juice, strained
5 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting
12 ounces softened cream cheese
1/4 cup softened butter
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cupcakes
Heat oven to 350°F. Line muffin cups with cupcake liners. Beat butter on high till soft, about 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high till light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each. Whisk together dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients. Add dry and wet mixtures alternately in 4 additions, starting and ending with the dry. Fill prepared muffin cups about half to three-quarters full (depending on whether you want flat or domed cupcakes). Bake for 22-25 minutes till a toothpick comes out clean.
Citrus Curd
Whisk together egg yolks, sugar and juice in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, till mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in butter, piece by piece. Cover with plastic wrap and chill till cold. Whip together cream and powdered sugar till stiff peaks form. Fold cream into the chilled curd.
Tip: The above recipe makes enough curd for over a teaspoon of filling for 24 cupcakes. Use varieties of citrus flavors such as orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat butter and cream cheese together till creamy. Add half of sugar and vanilla. Beat till combined. Gradually add remaining sugar (more if you have to) till you get to the consistency and sweetness you like.
Assembly
Using a small paring knife, cut off the top of the cupcake in the shape of a cone. Flip the top over and cut off the cone. Fill the cavity with a teaspoon or so of curd. Replace top. Frost with frosting. Decorate as desired.