Description
Strawberry cupcakes are a type of sweet baked good, made with fresh strawberries either incorporated into the batter or as a topping. Typically, these cupcakes are topped with a rich, creamy strawberry buttercream frosting that complements the natural sweetness and tartness of the strawberries. The cupcakes themselves are soft, light, and fluffy with a slight pink hue, offering the perfect balance between texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
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¼ cup milk
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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¼ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a smoother frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This will ensure that the cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and stir until fully combined. Now, add the pureed strawberries to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until the batter is smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake the cupcakes in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
While the cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the strawberry buttercream frosting. Start by beating the softened butter in a bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Stir in the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a little heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Once your cupcakes are completely cooled, it’s time to frost them. You can pipe the strawberry buttercream on top using a piping bag or simply spread it with a spatula. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing the cupcakes with fresh strawberry slices, sprinkles, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
For even more flair, top your cupcakes with additional fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or decorative sprinkles. This is completely optional but can make your cupcakes look even more delightful and festive.
Notes
These strawberry cupcakes are perfect for any occasion — light, fruity, and simply irresistible. Don’t forget to share your creations with us!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Cupcakes