Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Have you ever seen cupcakes so pretty? These Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are visually stunning and delicious. Made with fresh strawberries folded into the batter, each bite is a burst of flavor. Topped with a luscious pink frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries in both the cupcakes and frosting creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, these strawberry cupcakes will impress your guests.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add different toppings to make them your own.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors and beautiful frosting make these cupcakes a showstopper on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to whip butter and sugar until fluffy, ensuring a light cake texture.
• Sifter: Sifting flour helps remove lumps and aerates the flour for a smoother batter.
• Muffin tin: A good muffin tin ensures even baking of your cupcakes, leading to consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 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

For the Frosting

• 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)

For Garnish

• Diced and whole strawberries for topping (about 1 lb small strawberries)

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 Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Mix in one large egg, then add each egg white one at a time.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, fresh strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternately add dry ingredients and wet ingredients into the butter mixture in three batches. Start with dry ingredients and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined after each addition.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in diced strawberries into the batter.

Step 8: Bake Cupcakes

Divide batter among twelve lined muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake in preheated oven for 20–23 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling in tins before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

In a small saucepan, heat strawberry puree over medium-low heat until reduced by about two-thirds (to about three tablespoons). Allow this mixture to cool in the freezer while you prepare frosting.

Step 10: Make Frosting

In your stand mixer bowl, whip together both unsalted and salted butter until very pale and fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by reduced strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and optional red food coloring. Adjust consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed.

Step 11: Assemble Cupcakes

Top each cupcake with small mounds of diced strawberries. Pipe prepared frosting around berries and place whole small strawberries on top for decoration.

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh! Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting!

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

These delightful Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, serving these treats can be both fun and creative.

Personal Touches

• Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: Top each cupcake with a whole strawberry for a vibrant look.
• Use Edible Glitter: Sprinkle some edible glitter on the frosting for a festive appearance.

Pairing Options

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
• Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can elevate the dessert experience and add extra sweetness.

Presentation Ideas

• Cupcake Stand Display: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Themed Plates: Use colorful or themed plates that match your event to enhance the presentation.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Cupcakes, follow these handy tips.

• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Boldly Cool Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a fluffy batter.
• Boldly Fold Gently: When adding strawberries, fold them in gently to prevent them from breaking apart too much.
• Boldly Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if cupcakes are done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with several delicious side dishes that complement their sweet flavors. Consider these options for your next gathering.

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Bold Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses to provide a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
3. Bold Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea can cleanse the palate between bites.
4. Bold Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These add a crunchy texture and an exciting flavor contrast with their saltiness.
5. Bold Mini Quiches: Savory quiches can serve as an excellent balance to the sweet cupcakes.
6. Bold Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee enhances the flavors of both strawberry and buttercream frosting while providing a nice caffeine boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting can be delightful, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can affect the texture and flavor of your cupcakes. Always choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best results.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.

• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to melted frosting. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Always check your oven’s accuracy with an oven thermometer to avoid under or overbaking your cupcakes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Place a cupcake on a plate covered with foil. Heat on low for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free cake flour as a substitute for regular cake flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I enhance the flavor of Strawberry Buttercream Frosting?

To boost flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest. This will give your frosting a refreshing twist.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my cupcakes?

Frozen strawberries can work, but they may release more moisture during baking. Drain excess liquid and adjust your batter if necessary.

How long do these strawberry cupcakes last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these cupcakes will stay fresh for about 3 days.

What are some customization options for this recipe?

Feel free to add chocolate chips or swap out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries in both the cupcake and frosting recipes!

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are not only visually stunning but also bursting with fresh flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and ingredients, making them suitable for various preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging yourself, give this recipe a try!

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