Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

If you're looking for a delightful, fruity dessert that bursts with fresh strawberry flavor, look no further than Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream. These cupcakes are light, fluffy, and packed with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries, while the creamy strawberry buttercream frosting adds a luscious finish. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade dessert, this recipe guarantees success. Keep reading to learn how to make these irresistible strawberry cupcakes, step-by-step!

What are Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes are light, moist, and infused with natural strawberry flavor. These cupcakes are made with fresh strawberries, giving them a sweet, fruity taste that’s enhanced by a creamy strawberry buttercream frosting. The buttercream frosting, which also uses fresh strawberries, perfectly complements the cupcakes and provides a smooth, rich texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

For the Strawberry Cupcakes, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cupcakes, providing structure.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the cupcakes.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Ensures the cupcakes are moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Add richness and help bind the ingredients together.
• ½ cup whole milk – Provides moisture and helps create a soft texture.
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder – Allows the cupcakes to rise properly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet undertone to the cupcakes.
• ½ cup fresh strawberries (chopped) – Infuses the batter with natural strawberry flavor.
• 2 tablespoon strawberry puree – Intensifies the strawberry taste throughout the cupcake batter.

Ingredients List for Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

For the Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, you'll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Forms the base of the buttercream, making it creamy and rich.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Infuses the frosting with natural strawberry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the strawberry flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• 2-3 tablespoon heavy cream – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting, making it easier to spread or pipe.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This Strawberry Cupcake recipe is easily customizable! Below are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
• Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) as a replacement for the eggs. Use vegan butter for the frosting and plant-based milk for the batter.
• More Intense Strawberry Flavor: Add freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder to the cupcake batter and frosting for an extra strawberry punch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes for a strawberry-chocolate twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of perfectly moist strawberry cupcakes and top them with creamy strawberry buttercream frosting.

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Before starting, prepare the strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired. You’ll need about 2 tablespoon for the cupcakes and ¼ cup for the frosting.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

6. Add Strawberry Puree and Chopped Strawberries

Stir in the strawberry puree and gently fold in the chopped strawberries. This ensures the batter is packed with fresh strawberry flavor.

7. Alternate Adding Flour and Milk

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

8. Fill the Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for the cupcakes to rise.

9. Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

1. Cream Butter and Sugar Properly: Take the time to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this step creates air pockets that result in soft and tender cupcakes.
2. Strawberries in the Batter: Adding both chopped strawberries and strawberry puree ensures that every bite of these cupcakes is bursting with fresh fruit flavor.
3. Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
4. Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cupcakes during baking, as overbaking can dry them out. Remove from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can result in lumpy batter, so make sure to use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth mix.
2. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing leads to dense, tough cupcakes. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to keep the batter light.
3. Filling Cupcake Liners Too Much: Overfilling will cause the batter to overflow. Stick to filling the liners about two-thirds full for the best rise.
4. Frosting Before Cooling: If you frost the cupcakes while they’re still warm, the buttercream will melt. Always let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take these strawberry cupcakes from delicious to dazzling. Here are a few ideas to make your cupcakes stand out:

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

Serve your strawberry cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing fruity cocktail, making them perfect for a summer dessert spread.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

• Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry slice or a whole strawberry for a pretty presentation that hints at the flavor inside.
• Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: Add pink sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosted cupcakes for a fun, whimsical touch.
• Strawberry Drizzle: Drizzle extra strawberry puree over the frosted cupcakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Decorative Piping: Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip to pipe elegant swirls of strawberry buttercream onto each cupcake.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give your cupcakes the best flavor. Avoid using frozen strawberries as they can add too much moisture to the batter.
• Strawberry Puree for Extra Flavor: Using strawberry puree in both the cupcake batter and the frosting intensifies the fruit flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and evenly.
• Chill the Frosting: If your strawberry buttercream is too soft for piping, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries thoroughly to prevent adding too much moisture to the batter.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them the next day. Store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container, the cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Q: How can I make the frosting stiffer for piping?
A: If your frosting is too soft for piping, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, chill the frosting for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are a delightful, fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh strawberry flavor in both the cupcakes and the buttercream makes them a must-try for strawberry lovers. With the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips provided, you’ll be able to bake up a batch of beautifully soft, moist cupcakes topped with luscious buttercream. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or as a fun baking project, these strawberry cupcakes are sure to be a hit!

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