Sun-warmed strawberries filled my market tote, their bright perfume following me all the way home. As I rinsed the ruby gems, I remembered childhood summers when my grandmother’s kitchen smelled like jam and sunshine—proof that simple fruit can feel downright magical. Inspired, I grabbed a whisk and turned that fragrant pile into tender strawberry cupcakes crowned with a naturally pink swirl of puree-kissed frosting.
Why you’ll love them? First, the batter mixes in one bowl and bakes in under 20 minutes—ideal for last-minute cravings or surprise guests. Second, every bite tastes like peak-season berries because the recipe uses real fruit (no neon flavor packets here), delivering a soft crumb that stays moist for days.
Imagine setting these blushing beauties on the table and watching the smiles spread faster than frosting. Curious how a handful of pantry staples and fresh berries can create such airy, feel-good treats? Keep reading, and I’ll show you exactly how to whisk summer into cupcake form.
Why Are Strawberry Cupcakes So Irresistible?
Light and Fluffy: These cupcakes boast a divine texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite a delight.
Fresh Ingredients: With real strawberries featured throughout, you’ll enjoy a burst of authentic fruit flavor that’s hard to resist.
Quick to Make: Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe comes together in no time, allowing you to whip up a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.
Visual Appeal: The stunning pink frosting makes these cupcakes a showstopper at any gathering, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Versatile Topping: Feel free to experiment with toppings—fresh fruits or sprinkles can add a fun twist based on your mood!
Elevate your dessert game and dive into this delightful recipe that your friends and family will love!
Strawberry Cupcake Ingredients
• Discover everything you need for delicious strawberry cupcakes!
For the Cupcakes
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; sift first to avoid lumps.
- Baking powder – Essential leavening agent; check that it's fresh!
- Baking soda – Works with acidic ingredients for a perfect rise.
- Salt – Enhances sweetness and overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature – Adds richness; make sure it's soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness and helps achieve a golden hue.
- Large eggs – Adds structure and binding; use room temperature for better mixing.
- Vanilla extract – A flavor enhancer that amplifies the overall taste.
- Sour cream, room temperature – Adds moisture and tenderness; prevents strawberry sinking.
- Whole milk, room temperature – Essential for moisture; avoid low-fat varieties.
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped – The star ingredient; pick the ripest for the best flavor.
- Soft pink food coloring – Optional; enhances visual appeal.
For the Strawberry Buttercream
- Unsalted butter, room temperature – Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect spread.
- Pureed fresh strawberries – Key flavor component; adjust for desired consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
Use these fresh ingredients to create strawberry cupcakes that everyone will adore!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Cupcakes
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This not only makes for easy removal later but also allows the beautiful pink frosted strawberry cupcakes to shine during presentation.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your Strawberry Cupcakes a perfect rise and delightful texture.
Step 3
In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it's creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take another 3-4 minutes. This step is vital for incorporating air, which will help your cupcakes become soft and airy.
Step 4
Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue beating until fully incorporated and smooth. At this point, you’ll see the mixture change to a lovely pale color, indicating that it’s well-aerated and ready for the next step.
Step 5
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and room temperature sour cream and whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can result in dense Strawberry Cupcakes. You want the batter to be smooth but still thick, creating a pillowy texture.
Step 6
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries to the cupcake batter. If using food coloring, add it now to achieve that stunning pink hue. This step not only adds flavor but also a beautiful visual element that will make your Strawberry Cupcakes irresistible.
Step 7
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
Step 8
Once baked, remove the cupcake pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Carefully transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is crucial as it allows the Strawberry Cupcakes to firm up without becoming soggy.
Step 9
Meanwhile, prepare the Strawberry Buttercream by beating unsalted butter and salt in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and pureed fresh strawberries on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 10
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, take your frosting and pipe it generously onto each cupcake. Feel free to get creative with your piping technique—this is where you can really let your personality shine. Your Strawberry Cupcakes are now ready to be devoured, capturing the essence of summer in every delicious bite!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cupcakes
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter should be at room temperature; this ensures even mixing and a light texture for your strawberry cupcakes.
- Bake Smartly: Always bake one pan at a time in the center of the oven to promote even baking and prevent any raw centers.
- Fresh Strawberries: Pick ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re not sweet enough, consider adding a bit of extra sugar in the batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes instead of the desired fluffy texture.
- Coloring Matters: If using food coloring, add it gradually until you achieve the pink hue you desire—too much can alter texture!
Strawberry Cupcakes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make this delightful recipe your own!
- Jam Swirl: Use strawberry jam to create a fun swirl in your batter for an extra burst of flavor. Just drop spoonfuls into the batter and gently swirl with a toothpick!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a tasty gluten-free option. Your cupcakes will still be soft and delicious!
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk for a completely dairy-free treat. They’ll be just as moist!
- Vegan: Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter for a vegan twist that everyone can enjoy.
- Lemon Zest: Add zest from one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens up your strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the frosted cupcakes for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combo that will make hearts race!
- Frosting Flavor Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice or almond extract into the strawberry buttercream for a delightful flavor twist. It enhances the fresh strawberry taste perfectly!
- Boozy Cupcakes: Add a splash of strawberry liqueur to your cupcake batter or frosting for an adult-only dessert that will elevate your gatherings!
Each variation is a chance to create a unique spin on your strawberry cupcakes, inviting adventure into your baking journey!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade sweetness even on your busiest days! You can bake the cupcakes up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moistness. The strawberry buttercream frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 5 days—just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cupcakes for that fluffy consistency. When ready to serve, simply frost the cooled cupcakes, and you’ll have delightful treats with minimal effort, ready to impress friends and family!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Strawberry Cupcakes for up to 2 days at room temperature, stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they are in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Strawberry Cupcakes can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cupcakes, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or microwave briefly for a warm treat.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cupcakes?
Create delightful pairings to enhance your Strawberry Cupcakes experience! Each bite is a sweet indulgence, and it’s even better when accompanied by the right treats.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, perfectly balancing the sweetness of your cupcakes.
- Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream is a classic compliment, enhancing the strawberry flavors without overwhelming them. A dollop on top will make your cupcakes even more irresistible!
- Iced Tea: Brewed to perfection, a chilled glass of iced tea pairs wonderfully, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of rich chocolate drizzle on top of your frosting for an indulgent twist. The combination of strawberries and chocolate will delight your taste buds.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside brings a delightful temperature contrast, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that everyone loves.
- Lemonade: This tangy, refreshing drink works beautifully with strawberry desserts, cutting through the sweetness and providing a bright, zesty contrast.
- Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread offers a crunchy contrast to the soft cupcakes. Their subtle sweetness complements the berries beautifully.
- Milkshake: A cold strawberry milkshake can be a fun pairing, creating a nostalgic vibe that adds extra creaminess to the dessert experience.
Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
Can you make cupcakes with fresh strawberries?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are the star ingredient in this recipe, adding a burst of authentic flavor and delightful sweetness. Make sure to chop them finely and fold them into the batter gently to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
The key to moist Strawberry Cupcakes lies in using fresh, ripe ingredients and the right balance of wet to dry components. Incorporating sour cream and whole milk adds moisture, while ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter that won’t dry out during baking.
Can I add real strawberries to cake mix?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re using a cake mix instead of a homemade batter, folding in finely chopped fresh strawberries can elevate the flavor and add moisture. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients slightly since the strawberries will contribute additional liquid.
How should I store my Strawberry Cupcakes?
For short-term storage, keep your Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just remember that refrigeration can alter the texture, so enjoy them fresh whenever possible!
Can you put fresh strawberries in between cake layers?
Yes, using fresh strawberries as a filling between cake layers adds a delicious fruity element! To prevent the strawberries from making the layers soggy, you can macerate them lightly with sugar to draw out some moisture or use a layer of frosting as a barrier.
How can I freeze my Strawberry Cupcakes?
Freezing your Strawberry Cupcakes is simple! Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
The Best Strawberry Cupcakes You’ll Devour This Summer
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream and milk until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries and food coloring if using.
- Divide the batter among the muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Let the cupcakes cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating butter and salt until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and pureed strawberries.
- Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Measure accurately using a kitchen scale for best results.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Bake only one pan at a time for even baking.
- Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add food coloring gradually to achieve desired hue.
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