Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Have you ever seen cupcakes so pretty? These Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are made with chunks of fresh strawberries in the cake batter and topped with a luscious pink frosting. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, these delightful cupcakes are bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries enhance every bite, making these cupcakes irresistibly tasty.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant pink frosting and fresh strawberry topping make them a feast for the eyes.
• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions ensure even novice bakers can create these delicious treats.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Customizable Recipe: Adjust sweetness or add different toppings based on your preference.

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Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring even mixing for fluffy cupcakes.
• Sifter: Helps to aerate the flour, resulting in lighter and fluffier cakes.
• Muffin tin: Perfectly shapes your cupcakes, ensuring they bake evenly.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 2/3 cup cake flour
– 3/4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 large egg whites
– 1/3 cup fresh strawberry puree
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 5 drops red food coloring (optional)
– 3/4 cup diced strawberries (dice into about 1/4-inch pieces)
– Diced and whole strawberries for topping (about 1 lb small strawberries)
– 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp strawberry puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (nearly at room temperature)
– 1/4 cup salted butter (nearly at room temperature)
– 2 1/2 – 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 drops red food coloring (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Sift the cake flour into a mixing bowl. Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together for about 20 seconds to combine.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl occasionally for even mixing.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add one large egg to the mixture followed by the two egg whites, mixing one at a time until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a liquid measuring cup used for buttermilk, whisk together buttermilk, fresh strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add in one-third of your flour mixture followed by half of your buttermilk mixture. Mix until just combined. Repeat this process until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in three-fourths of a cup of diced strawberries into your batter.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter among twelve paper-lined muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool before frosting.

Step 9: Make Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

In a small saucepan, heat half a cup plus two tablespoons of strawberry puree over medium-low heat. Simmer until reduced by about two-thirds. Let it cool in the freezer after pouring it into a bowl.

Step 10: Whip Up Your Frosting

In an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, whip both types of butter until very pale and fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar along with three tablespoons of reduced strawberry puree and vanilla extract until fluffy.

Step 11: Assemble Cupcakes

Place small mounds of diced strawberries on top of each cupcake center. Pipe frosting around and over berries then decorate with whole small strawberries. Enjoy!

These scrumptious Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting will surely become a favorite treat!

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Serving Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting can elevate any occasion. These delightful treats are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Individual Treat Boxes

• Use small boxes to package each cupcake for a cute take-home treat. Perfect for parties or gatherings!

Garnish with Fresh Mint

• Adding a sprig of fresh mint on top of the frosting gives a vibrant touch and enhances flavor.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a handful of fresh strawberries or mixed berries for extra color and taste.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Place cupcakes on a large platter, mixing in other desserts like brownies or cookies for variety.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream beside each cupcake for an indulgent touch.

Use Decorative Liners

• Utilize colorful or themed cupcake liners to match your event’s decor, making the presentation even more appealing.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Perfecting your Strawberry Cupcakes is key to impressing your guests. Here are some tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out fantastic every time.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruit enhances flavor and adds moisture to your cupcakes, making them taste better.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements ensure consistent results, so invest in a good set of measuring tools.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter that blends more easily, leading to better texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for unique variations that still highlight the strawberry flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Looking for side dishes that pair well with Strawberry Cupcakes? These options will complement their sweetness beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cupcakes.
2. Creamy Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake provide a rich contrast while remaining sweet.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs nicely with the sweet flavors of the cupcakes.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and enhances the overall dessert experience.
5. Mini Tartlets: Choose tartlets filled with lemon or berry flavors for a zesty contrast.
6. Panna Cotta: This smooth Italian dessert offers a light finish that complements the strawberry theme.
7. Lemon Bars: Their tangy goodness provides an excellent balance against sweet strawberry tastes.
8. Coffee or Tea: Serving these beverages can enhance your dessert experience, providing warmth and comfort alongside the sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Expired ingredients can lead to flat cupcakes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. If they are warm, the buttercream will melt and slide off.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures consistent results every time you bake.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. Baking in an unheated oven can affect the rise and texture of your cupcakes.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cupcakes in for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well! Just thaw them and pat dry before using in the batter or frosting.

How do I make the strawberry puree?

Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain if you want a smoother texture without seeds.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend as a substitute for cake flour.

What other flavors can I add?

Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on these delightful strawberry cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. They are perfect for celebrations or just as a sweet treat. Feel free to customize them by adding different fruits or flavorings. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every bite!