Line a cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the lemon cake mix and Sprite for 2 minutes.
Scoop the cupcake batter with a ⅓ measuring cup into the prepared cupcake liners.
Bake cupcakes for 25-30 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered icing sugar for 2 minutes.
Add the lemon extract and lemon zest, beat to incorporate. Then add milk as needed. Beat until fluffy.
Scoop the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Swirl the frosting onto the cupcakes to form a rose pattern.
Sprinkle a touch of yellow sugar crystals in a crescent shape on one edge of the cupcake.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and split it into two baking pans before baking.
Short cut tip: Make the frosting while the cupcakes bake to save time.