Indulging in strawberry cupcakes is like taking a bite of sunshine, with sweet strawberries blending harmoniously into fluffy cake. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delightful treat that brightens any day.
Imagine the joy of sharing these cupcakes during a summer picnic or at a birthday party. Their vibrant pink hue and luscious frosting make them the life of the party, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and perhaps a bit of frosting on their cheek.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These strawberry cupcakes are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
- Their flavor bursts with strawberry goodness, creating a delightful taste experience
- Visually stunning with their bright color and creamy frosting, they are sure to impress
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers, these cupcakes will be your go-to dessert
I vividly remember the first time I made these strawberry cupcakes for my niece’s birthday party. Her eyes sparkled when she saw them, and her friends devoured them within minutes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cupcake, providing structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; adjust based on how sweet your strawberries are.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that delightful rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
- Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together for moist cupcakes.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for ease; it gives our cupcakes a lovely flavor and texture.
- Milk: Incorporates moisture; whole milk works best but feel free to use your favorite alternative.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient! Choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor impact.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Creates the perfect sweet topping that complements our fruity base.
- Heavy Cream (for frosting): Whips up beautifully for that luscious texture every cupcake deserves.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking, so don’t skip it!
Prepare Your Muffin Tin : Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly with nonstick spray. This makes removal easier later on.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture should look fluffy and inviting.
Cream Butter and Sugar : In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. You want it airy!
Add Eggs and Vanilla : Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should appear smooth and glossy.
Add Wet Ingredients : Stir in milk gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely air bubbles intact!
Add Strawberries : Fold in chopped fresh strawberries carefully into the batter using a spatula. This is where things start looking deliciously pink!
Fill Muffin Cups : Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full. If you have extra strawberries left over, toss some on top for added flair!
Bake to Perfection : Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Prepare Frosting While Cooling : While the cupcakes cool, whip together powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy and spreadable. You can adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
Frost Your Cupcakes : Once cooled completely (patience is key!), generously frost each cupcake with your delicious cream mixture. Feel free to get creative here!
Enjoy your delightful strawberry cupcakes! They pair wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade on sunny days or simply as an afternoon snack while binge-watching your favorite show! Each bite brings you closer to happiness—who knew dessert could be such therapy? For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Strawberry cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile
- They can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries, and the aroma while baking is simply irresistible
- A perfect treat for any occasion, these cupcakes will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your cupcake liners while the batter is mixing to save time.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost. You can also swap out half the flour for almond flour for a nutty twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to keep moisture out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cupcakes fluffy and light
- Baking soda and baking powder both help create that perfect rise; don’t skip either!
Baking these strawberry cupcakes reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet smells. Her secret? Always add a pinch of love along with the sugar!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry cupcakes?
Absolutely! Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
How do I ensure my cupcakes are fluffy?
Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.
What frosting pairs best with strawberry cupcakes?
Cream cheese frosting enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully, making it a delicious choice!
Strawberry Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the joy of homemade strawberry cupcakes that burst with flavor and charm. These delightful treats combine sweet, ripe strawberries with fluffy cake, creating a vibrant dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or celebrating a birthday, these cupcakes are sure to be the highlight of the event. With their creamy frosting and cheerful pink hue, they bring smiles to all who taste them. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, strawberry cupcakes are your new go-to dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time and then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in milk gently; fold in chopped strawberries carefully.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups two-thirds full; bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Cool cupcakes while whipping together powdered sugar and heavy cream for frosting.
- Frost cooled cupcakes generously.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg