Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

If you're searching for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, these Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are an absolute must-try! This recipe offers a sweet, fruity flavor paired with a luscious buttercream that’s bursting with real strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or just craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite. Keep reading for a detailed, step-by-step guide that will walk you through how to make these irresistible cupcakes from scratch.

What Are Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes are light, fluffy, and moist cakes made from a blend of fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, flour, eggs, and other standard baking ingredients. These delicious treats are topped with a rich, creamy strawberry buttercream frosting that’s made with fresh strawberry puree, butter, and powdered sugar. What makes them stand out is the balance between the sweetness of the cupcakes and the fresh, tangy taste of the strawberries in both the cake and the buttercream. These cupcakes are perfect for strawberry lovers and offer a taste of summer in every bite.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

To ensure you get the best results with your strawberry cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

1. 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for your cupcakes.
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder – Ensures your cupcakes rise properly.
3. ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
4. ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.
5. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
6. 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides the sweetness.
7. 2 large eggs – Help bind the ingredients and contribute to the texture.
8. ⅓ cup whole milk – Adds moisture to the batter.
9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
10. ½ cup fresh strawberry puree – For a burst of strawberry flavor.
11. Optional: pink food coloring – To give the cupcakes a beautiful pink hue.

Ingredients List for Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

To make the perfect strawberry buttercream, you’ll need the following:

1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
2. 3-4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the buttercream.
3. ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Adds a natural strawberry flavor.
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds extra depth of flavor.
5. Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness.
6. Optional: pink food coloring – If you want to enhance the pink color of the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional strawberry cupcake recipe is fantastic as-is, there are several substitutions and variations you can explore based on dietary needs and flavor preferences:

1. Substitute dairy-free butter and almond milk if you want to make these cupcakes dairy-free.
2. Swap the strawberry puree for raspberry or blueberry puree to create a different berry flavor.
3. Add lemon zest to the batter and buttercream for a zesty, citrus twist.
4. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
5. If you're feeling adventurous, try stuffing the cupcakes with a surprise filling of strawberry jam or fresh chopped strawberries.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before starting, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps ensure the batter is smooth and the cupcakes rise evenly.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup 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 the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in strawberry puree: Blend in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until combined. The batter will look a bit curdled, but that’s okay.
6. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add the milk, and mix again. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Fill each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes 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

1. Prepare the strawberries: If you're using fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and puree them in a blender. Set aside ½ cup for the cupcakes and ¼ cup for the buttercream. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing.
2. Follow the basic batter instructions: The key to fluffy cupcakes is not overmixing the batter. Once all ingredients are combined, mix until just smooth, but do not overbeat.
3. Use an ice cream scoop: When filling the cupcake liners, use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to ensure each liner has an equal amount of batter. This helps ensure even baking.
4. Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cupcakes are done.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: This can result in dense, chewy cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light, airy texture.
• Not measuring the ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so it's crucial to measure your ingredients precisely.
• Using cold butter or eggs: Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better cupcake texture.
• Overfilling the cupcake liners: Only fill the liners two-thirds full to avoid the batter overflowing while baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These strawberry cupcakes with creamy strawberry buttercream deserve to be shown off! Here’s how to make sure they look just as good as they taste:

1. Use a piping bag for frosting: A large star or round piping tip will give the buttercream a professional finish. Swirl the frosting on top of the cupcakes, creating a nice, tall peak.
2. Add fresh strawberries: Garnish each cupcake with a sliced or whole fresh strawberry on top for an elegant touch.
3. Drizzle with strawberry sauce: For extra flair, drizzle a little strawberry puree or sauce over the buttercream.
4. Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a subtle, decorative touch.

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served fresh, at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a glass of chilled lemonade, iced tea, or even a hot cup of coffee. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

1. Cupcake tower: Display your strawberry cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand for an impressive presentation at parties or gatherings.
2. Decorative wrappers: Use fun, colorful cupcake liners or wrappers to match the theme of your event.
3. Sprinkle edible glitter or pearls: For special occasions like birthdays or weddings, sprinkle the cupcakes with edible glitter, pearls, or heart-shaped sprinkles.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

1. Use fresh strawberries whenever possible for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries work, but fresh ones give a more vibrant taste.
2. Don’t skip the vanilla extract. Even though it’s a small amount, it adds complexity to the overall flavor of the cupcake and buttercream.
3. Chill the buttercream: If your buttercream seems too soft or runny, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve them.
3. How should I store leftover cupcakes?
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
   Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
5. Can I use this recipe to make a cake?
   Yes, you can pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan instead of cupcake liners. Adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are a delightful treat that’s bursting with fresh, fruity flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to impress. The combination of moist, tender cupcakes and rich, strawberry-infused buttercream makes this recipe a winner. Follow the steps above, and you’ll have beautifully baked, perfectly frosted cupcakes ready to enjoy. Happy baking!

Print