Strawberry Cupcakes With Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

Cupcakes are the perfect little treats to brighten up any occasion, but what’s better than a classic cupcake? A strawberry cupcake topped with rich, flavorful strawberry buttercream frosting! These moist and fruity cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or any time you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow, and the results will wow your friends and family. Keep reading to learn how to make these delicious strawberry cupcakes with an easy-to-make strawberry buttercream frosting that’s bound to be a hit. Let's dive in and whip up some sweetness!

this Recipe

What Are Strawberry Cupcakes With Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and moist cupcakes that are infused with the flavor of fresh strawberries or strawberry extract. They are light, tender, and have a natural sweetness that is complemented by the fresh, juicy flavor of strawberries. Strawberry buttercream frosting takes these cupcakes to the next level. Made from real strawberries, this frosting adds a burst of flavor and a lovely pink hue, creating a dessert that’s both delicious and beautiful.

In this recipe, we use fresh strawberries to flavor both the cupcake batter and the buttercream, ensuring that every bite is filled with strawberry goodness. If you're a fan of strawberries, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

Before we get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need for the cupcakes:

• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (blended fresh strawberries)

These ingredients will make about 12 cupcakes, but you can double the quantities if you're planning to bake for a larger crowd.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Buttercream

For the strawberry buttercream frosting, you’ll need the following:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, to thin the frosting)

The fresh strawberry puree adds a bright, bold flavor to the frosting and gives it a natural pink color, making the cupcakes not only delicious but visually stunning as well.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try with this recipe:

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.
• Strawberry Extract: If fresh strawberries are out of season or unavailable, you can use 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract in both the cupcake batter and the buttercream.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the frosting for an extra punch of flavor.
• Fruit Combinations: Try combining strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version of these cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to make the perfect strawberry cupcakes:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
5. Add the Strawberry Puree: Mix in the fresh strawberry puree. The batter will turn a light pink color and smell wonderfully fruity!
6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix the batter!
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about ⅔ full.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

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

The above steps are your roadmap to making light and fluffy strawberry cupcakes. Once your cupcakes have baked and cooled, it’s time to whip up the strawberry buttercream frosting. Follow these steps:

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture will become thick, but that’s what we want!
3. Add the Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Beat in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until fully combined. The frosting will turn a lovely pink color.
4. Adjust the Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can add more powdered sugar.
5. Frost the Cupcakes: Once your cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each one with the strawberry buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your strawberry cupcakes turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Using Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberry puree is essential for both flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can add too much moisture and change the consistency of the batter.
• Frosting Warm Cupcakes: Always wait for the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting, or the buttercream will melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your strawberry cupcakes can make them even more appealing. Here are some creative ideas:

• Add Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Place a halved fresh strawberry on top of each cupcake for a beautiful garnish.
• Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter over the buttercream.
• Use a Star Tip: If you’re using a piping bag, use a star tip for a swirled, professional-looking buttercream topping.

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

Strawberry cupcakes are best served at room temperature, allowing the buttercream to soften slightly. These cupcakes make an excellent addition to a dessert table, and they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

If you’re serving these cupcakes at a special event, here are a few presentation ideas:

• Tiered Cupcake Stand: Display the cupcakes on a multi-tiered cupcake stand for a dramatic presentation.
• Cupcake Wrappers: Use decorative cupcake wrappers that complement the pink color of the frosting.
• Fruit Toppings: Add a variety of berries on top for a more gourmet look.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your strawberry cupcakes come out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.
• Taste Your Strawberries: If your strawberries are a little tart, you can add a teaspoon of extra sugar to the puree to balance the sweetness.
• Chill the Buttercream: If your buttercream becomes too soft while piping, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them well before pureeing. Just be aware that frozen strawberries may make the batter more watery.

Q: How should I store the cupcakes?
A: Store your strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make the buttercream in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the buttercream ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Let it come to room temperature and beat it again before using.

Conclusion

Strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. With their light and fluffy texture, combined with the rich, fruity buttercream, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a batch of cupcakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Now, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these incredible cupcakes—your taste buds will thank you!

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