Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

If you're looking for a fresh, fruity, and absolutely irresistible dessert, these Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are the perfect treat. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and topped with a smooth and creamy strawberry-infused buttercream, these cupcakes are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special celebration, or just to satisfy your strawberry craving, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. So, keep reading to discover how to make these scrumptious strawberry cupcakes from scratch!

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What Are Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes are light, fluffy, and filled with fresh strawberry flavor. They have real strawberries baked into the batter, which gives them a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. The creamy strawberry buttercream takes these cupcakes to the next level, combining butter, powdered sugar, and strawberry puree to create a rich and luscious frosting with an unmistakable strawberry flavor. Together, they make for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious strawberry cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cupcake batter.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder for a light texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the natural flavors in the cupcake.
• ½ cup whole milk – Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree – The key ingredient for a fresh strawberry flavor.

Ingredients List for Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

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

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – The base of the buttercream that makes it rich and smooth.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Infuses the buttercream with a natural strawberry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
• 1-2 tablespoon heavy cream – Helps adjust the consistency of the buttercream.

Substitutions and Variations

Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or simply want to add your own twist, here are some substitution options and variations:

• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the cupcakes gluten-free.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
• Frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries for the puree. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
• Lemon twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cupcake batter for a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Cream cheese frosting: For a tangy variation, you can replace part of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese to make a strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake these delicious cupcakes? Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to make your strawberry cupcakes with creamy strawberry buttercream.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a soft and airy texture for your cupcakes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cupcakes.

Step 5: Mix in the Strawberry Puree

Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the fresh strawberry puree to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cupcakes dense.

Step 7: Spoon the Batter into the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full to give the cupcakes room to rise.

Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the cupcakes to dry out.

Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

While the cupcakes are cooling, it's time to make the creamy strawberry buttercream. Here’s how:

Step 1: Beat the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Puree and Vanilla

Pour in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and continue mixing on medium speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

If the buttercream is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 5: Chill the Frosting (If Needed)

If the frosting is too soft to pipe or spread, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before using.

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

• Step 1: Prepare your oven and pans – Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• Step 2: Make the batter – Cream the butter and sugar, incorporate the eggs, and fold in the fresh strawberry puree for a naturally sweet and flavorful batter.
• Step 3: Bake the cupcakes – Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Step 4: Cool and frost – Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before topping them with the creamy strawberry buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when making your strawberry cupcakes to ensure they come out perfect every time:

1. Overmixing the batter: Mixing the batter too much after adding the flour can result in tough, dense cupcakes. Mix just until everything is combined.
2. Not cooling the cupcakes completely: If you frost the cupcakes while they’re still warm, the buttercream will melt and slide off. Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting.
3. Runny frosting: Too much liquid in the strawberry puree can result in runny frosting. If your puree seems watery, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before using it in the buttercream.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your cupcakes look as delicious as they taste. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

1. Piping the frosting: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or round tip to create beautiful swirls of strawberry buttercream on top of each cupcake.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberries: Add a fresh strawberry slice or a small whole strawberry on top of each cupcake for a decorative and flavorful touch.
3. Drizzle with strawberry sauce: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, drizzle a little homemade strawberry sauce over the frosting.
4. Decorative cupcake wrappers: Use colorful or themed cupcake liners to add a pop of fun to your presentation.

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

These strawberry cupcakes are best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to truly shine. They make a perfect dessert for birthday parties, bridal showers, or any special occasion. For a summery touch, serve them with a side of fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

• Cupcake stands: Use a tiered cupcake stand to create a visually stunning dessert display.
• Pastel sprinkles: Add pastel-colored sprinkles or edible glitter for a playful touch.
• Edible flowers: Decorate the cupcakes with edible flowers like pansies or violets for a beautiful, natural presentation.
• Strawberry-shaped toppers: Use strawberry-themed cupcake toppers or cut-out strawberry shapes from fondant for a creative presentation.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

1. Use fresh, ripe strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries to make the puree. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries will work, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
2. Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, which should be spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off.
3. Chill the buttercream: If your buttercream becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm up before piping or spreading onto the cupcakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the cupcake batter?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

Q: How do I store the cupcakes?
A: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Q: Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes?
A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely and frost with fresh buttercream before serving.

Q: Can I make mini strawberry cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Just use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream are the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers. With a fresh strawberry flavor in both the cupcake and the frosting, these cupcakes are a delightful burst of summer in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want to enjoy a sweet, fruity dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your fresh strawberries, preheat your oven, and get ready to create these beautiful and delicious cupcakes!

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