White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Indulge your sweet tooth with these White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes—a heavenly combination of rich, creamy white chocolate and the sweet, fresh flavor of strawberries. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or just craving a gourmet treat, these cupcakes offer an irresistible blend of flavors. The moist, buttery cupcake base is studded with bits of white chocolate, while the luscious strawberry frosting adds a fruity and refreshing twist. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! So, read on to learn how to make these stunning cupcakes.

this Recipe

What are White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes?

White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful dessert where the richness of white chocolate meets the bright, sweet taste of strawberries. The cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and infused with chunks of white chocolate, creating a creamy and decadent bite. The strawberry frosting adds a pop of color and a refreshing sweetness, making these cupcakes the perfect dessert for spring and summer, although they’re just as delicious any time of year!

Ingredients List for White Chocolate Cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make the white chocolate cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cupcakes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Enhances the rise and keeps the texture light.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the white chocolate.
• ½ cup whole milk – Keeps the cupcakes soft and tender.
• 4 oz white chocolate (finely chopped) – The star ingredient that adds creamy richness.
• ½ cup sour cream – Ensures a moist cupcake texture.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Frosting

For the strawberry frosting, you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right consistency.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Made by blending fresh strawberries, this provides natural flavor and color.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoon heavy cream – Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions or just want to change things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• White chocolate alternative: If you don’t have white chocolate, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, though the flavor will change.
• 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: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk, and substitute sour cream with a dairy-free version.
• Strawberry flavor variations: For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cupcake batter or the frosting.
• Frosting options: Instead of strawberry frosting, you could make a white chocolate buttercream or a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor combination.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these instructions for perfect white chocolate strawberry cupcakes.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Melt white chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the batter.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
7. Fold in sour cream and white chocolate: Gently fold in the sour cream and cooled melted white chocolate using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
8. Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Strawberry Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, you can start preparing the strawberry frosting. Here’s how:

1. Puree the strawberries: Blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You’ll need about ¼ cup of puree.
2. Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud.
4. Mix in the strawberry puree: Add the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until fully combined.
5. Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
6. Chill the frosting: If the frosting becomes too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before using.

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

• Step 1: Prepare your baking tools – Preheat the oven and line your cupcake tin to ensure smooth preparation.
• Step 2: Make the batter – Cream the butter and sugar, incorporate the eggs, then mix in the dry ingredients and white chocolate for a smooth, flavorful batter.
• Step 3: Bake and cool – Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick comes out clean, then allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Step 4: Frosting time – Make your strawberry frosting, ensuring the perfect consistency, then pipe or spread it onto your cooled cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making white chocolate strawberry cupcakes, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure your baking process goes smoothly:

1. Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a fluffy texture.
2. Melting chocolate improperly: Melting white chocolate can be tricky. Use low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning or clumping.
3. Not cooling cupcakes completely: If you frost warm cupcakes, the frosting will melt and slide off. Be patient and let the cupcakes cool fully.
4. Runny frosting: If your strawberry puree is too watery, the frosting may become too runny. Consider straining the puree to remove excess liquid before adding it to the frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your cupcakes look as good as they taste! Here are some tips for serving and decorating:

1. Piping technique: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip to pipe beautiful swirls of strawberry frosting onto each cupcake.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberries: Add a small fresh strawberry or a slice of strawberry on top of each cupcake for an elegant touch.
3. White chocolate shavings: Grate some white chocolate over the frosting for a decorative and delicious topping.
4. Drizzle with strawberry sauce: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, drizzle a little strawberry sauce or puree over the frosted cupcakes.

How to Serve White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, as this allows the flavors to shine through. They’re perfect for serving at birthday parties, bridal showers, or even just as a sweet treat after dinner. For a sophisticated touch, serve them with fresh fruit or alongside a glass of sparkling wine.

Presentation Ideas for White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

• Cupcake stands: Display your cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand for a stunning presentation.
• Decorative wrappers: Use themed cupcake liners or decorative wrappers to match the occasion.
• Colorful sprinkles: Add pink or white sprinkles for a fun, festive look.
• Custom toppers: Use edible decorations like heart-shaped sprinkles or custom cupcake toppers to elevate the presentation for special events.

White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

1. Use high-quality white chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the flavor of your cupcakes.
2. Strain the strawberry puree: If your puree has too much liquid, it can make the frosting too thin. Strain it to remove excess moisture for the perfect frosting consistency.
3. Chill the frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft while piping, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve them.

Q: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely before frosting.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them completely and strain any excess liquid before blending them into a puree.

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

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are the perfect blend of creamy, rich white chocolate and sweet, fresh strawberries. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and a little creativity in presentation, you’ll have a batch of cupcakes that look and taste absolutely divine. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake these delicious treats! Happy baking!

Print