Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Strawberry Cupcakes, bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring gatherings or any time you crave a fruity, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 18 cupcake cups with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and strawberry extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with the milk and vegetable oil, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries to the batter, taking care not to overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry and vanilla extracts, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add pink food coloring if desired and mix well.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the strawberry cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and moisture.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it dairy-free, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the frosting.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
