Delicious Strawberry Cupcake Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, strawberry cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these little gems are sure to impress. This Strawberry Cupcake Recipe will guide you through creating moist, fluffy cupcakes topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting, all infused with the sweet taste of ripe strawberries. Ready to bake some magic? Let’s get started!

Similar to our easy strawberry cupcake recipe, this version offers a simple yet effective method for creating delicious cupcakes. Now, let’s dive into the heart of this delightful strawberry cupcake recipe.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Cupcake Recipe

Baking is a science, and like any good scientist, you need the right tools and ingredients. For this strawberry cupcake recipe, you’ll need the following:

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from about 1 cup fresh strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)

Baking the Perfect Strawberry Cupcakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

This strawberry cupcake recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful cupcakes in no time!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

7. Fill and Bake: Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Strawberry Cupcake Batter Preparation

Creating the Dreamy Strawberry Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! This strawberry frosting recipe is the perfect complement to the moist cupcakes.

1. Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Flavor: Beat in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until smooth.

4. Frost and Garnish: Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost them generously. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Strawberry Cupcake Frosting Process

Tips and Tricks for the Best Strawberry Cupcakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.

• Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can make the batter too watery.

• Cooling: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Strawberry Cupcake Variations

Want to add a twist to your strawberry cupcake recipe? Try these delicious variations:

• Chocolate Strawberry Delight: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes. For a complete chocolate experience, you could also try our chocolate strawberry cupcake recipe.

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cupcakes: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. You can find more detailed instructions on our gluten free strawberry cupcake recipe page.

• Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes: Use vegan butter, egg replacements, and plant-based milk for a vegan version. Our vegan strawberry cupcake recipe provides a comprehensive guide for vegan baking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Cupcakes

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: While you can use frozen strawberries, they might release excess water into the batter, making the cupcakes dense. Fresh strawberries are always recommended for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover cupcakes?

A: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and beat it again before frosting the cupcakes.

A Sweet Conclusion

This strawberry cupcake recipe is a celebration of the beautiful strawberry. From the moist, fluffy cupcake to the creamy, dreamy frosting, each bite is a taste of pure joy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece! Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us – we’d love to see your creations! For those looking for a low-carb option, our keto strawberry cupcake recipe offers a delicious alternative.