Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

Who doesn’t love a fresh, sweet, and fruity dessert that brightens up any occasion? These Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are a perfect treat for any strawberry lover. Whether you're hosting a party, baking for a special someone, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Follow along for all the details on how to create these delicious strawberry cupcakes, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect buttercream frosting. Keep reading to learn all the steps and tips for nailing this recipe!

What Are Strawberry Cupcakes?

Strawberry cupcakes are a delicious dessert that combines the light, airy texture of traditional cupcakes with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of fresh strawberries. Unlike basic vanilla cupcakes, these cupcakes include real strawberries in both the batter and the frosting, creating a fruit-forward flavor that is impossible to resist. The accompanying creamy strawberry buttercream frosting is what takes these cupcakes to the next level, offering a rich, smooth finish with a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make about 12-14 strawberry cupcakes. Be sure to gather everything before you start for a smooth baking experience:

Cupcake Batter Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cupcakes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise, making them fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Adds a bit of extra lift.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• 2 large eggs – Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ cup whole milk – Keeps the cupcakes moist.
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped – Adds real fruit flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

For the frosting, you'll need the following:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar – Provides the sweetness and smooth texture for the buttercream.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream – Makes the frosting rich and smooth.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Adds the strawberry flavor without making the frosting too thin.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors.
• Pinch of salt – Balances out the sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

1. Butter Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, you can use plant-based margarine instead of butter in both the cupcakes and frosting. Make sure it’s a high-quality one for the best flavor.
2. Sugar Options: Feel free to replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a low-calorie sweetener if you're trying to cut back on sugar.
3. Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
4. Milk Variations: Almond milk or oat milk can be used instead of whole milk, though the texture might be slightly different.

Variations:

1. Strawberry-Lemon Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Top each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-dipped strawberry for an extra-special touch.
3. Vanilla Strawberry: If you're a vanilla lover, you can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter and frosting for a stronger vanilla flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to whip up these delicious strawberry cupcakes, step-by-step.

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate dry ingredients and milk: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in strawberries: Gently fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter.
7. Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Strawberry Cupcakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the basic steps, let’s dive a little deeper into some tips to help you perfect your strawberry cupcakes:

1. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
2. Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated for a light and fluffy texture.
3. Use fresh, ripe strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and moisture. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.
4. Check for doneness early: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cupcakes for doneness at the 18-minute mark. Overbaking will make them dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the cupcake liners: Only fill your liners ⅔ full to avoid spillage and ensure even baking.
2. Overbeating the butter and sugar: While it's important to cream them together, overbeating can result in cupcakes that don’t rise properly.
3. Not cooling the cupcakes before frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.
4. Not sifting powdered sugar: Always sift your powdered sugar for the buttercream to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes at room temperature for the best texture. The creamy buttercream frosting will be soft and luscious, while the cupcake remains tender and moist. These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, brunches, or even as a sweet treat for a family gathering. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, or for an adult-friendly twist, a glass of chilled rosé.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

Presentation is key when it comes to impressing your guests. Here are a few ideas to make your cupcakes look as good as they taste:

1. Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Top each cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry or a whole strawberry for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Edible Flowers: Add a few edible flowers like pansies or violets on top for a touch of elegance.
3. Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Lightly dust the top of your frosted cupcakes with sparkling sugar or colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look.
4. Cupcake Wrappers: Use decorative cupcake liners or wrap your finished cupcakes in colorful paper for an extra special presentation.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

1. Prep Strawberries Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep your strawberries the night before. Just be sure to store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
2. Test Frosting Consistency: If your buttercream frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a touch more heavy cream.
3. Use Piping Bags: For a professional look, use a piping bag with a large star tip to swirl the strawberry buttercream on top of each cupcake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes?

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to frost and serve.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are the perfect combination of light, fluffy cake and rich, fruity frosting. They’re sure to be a hit at any event or family gathering. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and plenty of tips to help you along the way, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. So grab some fresh strawberries and get started—your tastebuds will thank you!

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