Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries with the smooth, creamy delight of buttercream frosting? This Strawberry Cupcake recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. With fluffy, moist cupcakes topped with an irresistible strawberry buttercream frosting, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations, and bring these delicious treats to your next gathering!

What are Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes are a light, fluffy dessert made with fresh or frozen strawberries, giving the cupcakes a fruity, sweet flavor. The creamy strawberry buttercream frosting is what takes this dessert to the next level — a rich and luscious topping made by incorporating fresh strawberries into traditional buttercream. The natural sweetness and vibrant color from the strawberries make these cupcakes both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

To bake the perfect batch of strawberry cupcakes, here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Strawberry Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cupcakes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds lightness and fluffiness to the cupcakes.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.
• ½ cup whole milk – Adds moisture and softness to the batter.
• ¾ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped – The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.

For the Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base for the creamy, fluffy buttercream.
• 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Adds flavor and a beautiful pink color to the buttercream.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the strawberry flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Balances out the sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to customize your strawberry cupcakes? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make the cupcakes gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Sugar Substitutes: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a healthier alternative.
• Fruit Variations: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Strawberry Jam: For an even stronger strawberry flavor, try adding a spoonful of strawberry jam into the cupcake batter or the buttercream frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make these heavenly strawberry cupcakes from scratch.

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Alternate Adding Flour and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, or the cupcakes may become dense.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This will ensure your buttercream is light and fluffy.
3. Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Slowly mix in the fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the strawberry buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making perfect strawberry cupcakes with buttercream frosting is easy, but a few common mistakes could ruin your results. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to dense, tough cupcakes. Once the flour is added, mix until just combined.
• Not Chilling the Buttercream: If your buttercream frosting seems too soft, let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before piping or spreading. This will help firm it up.
• Frosting Warm Cupcakes: Never frost cupcakes that haven’t fully cooled. The heat from the cupcakes will cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving strawberry cupcakes in a beautiful way can make them even more appealing. Here’s how to serve and present these delightful treats:

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

• Serve the cupcakes at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Pair with a light, fruity drink such as strawberry lemonade, tea, or sparkling water for a refreshing complement.
• For a party or event, display the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

• Top each cupcake with a small fresh strawberry or strawberry slice for an extra touch of color and flavor.
• Dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar or edible glitter for a glamorous touch.
• Use decorative cupcake liners in bright colors or floral patterns to match the theme of your event.
• Pipe the buttercream in a swirl or rosette pattern using a large star tip to create a bakery-style presentation.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your strawberry cupcakes even better:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for both the cupcakes and buttercream. Frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding.
• Puree the Strawberries: For the buttercream, blending the strawberries into a smooth puree helps create a consistent and creamy texture.
• Chill the Cupcakes: After frosting the cupcakes, you can refrigerate them for about 20 minutes to help the buttercream set. Just be sure to serve them at room temperature for the best taste.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the cupcake batter or buttercream.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh? The cupcakes can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes! You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Why did my cupcakes turn out dense? Dense cupcakes can result from overmixing the batter or not using fresh baking powder. Be sure to mix gently once the flour is added, and always use fresh baking powder for the best rise.

Can I make the buttercream ahead of time? Absolutely. You can make the buttercream up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting the cupcakes.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet, fresh strawberries with a smooth and luscious buttercream topping. Whether you’re baking them for a party, family gathering, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and a range of substitutions, you can create a batch of cupcakes that everyone will love. Don’t wait—get your ingredients ready and start baking today!

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