Strawberry Cupcakes
Are you ready to delight your taste buds with these scrumptious strawberry cupcakes? Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. The soft, fluffy cake combined with a luscious strawberry frosting will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 cup strawberry puree (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 cupcakes. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for baking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cupcake) contains approximately 200 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 12g sugar. This is based on one cupcake without frosting.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Fresh strawberries can be replaced with frozen ones, but ensure they are well-drained before use.
Serving and Pairings
These strawberry cupcakes are wonderful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing glass of lemonade. They also make a delightful addition to any dessert table at gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect the texture.
- Skipping the cooling step before frosting can cause the frosting to melt.
- Using warm ingredients can prevent proper mixing.
- Underbaking can result in gummy centers.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with different frosting styles, like whipped cream.
- Test cupcakes with a toothpick to ensure they are baked through.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would also complement these cupcakes well.
Are these cupcakes suitable for kids?
Yes, these strawberry cupcakes are a fun and tasty treat that kids will love, making them perfect for birthday parties or school events.
Conclusion
These strawberry cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and freshness. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats!
Strawberry Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 cup strawberry puree for frosting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries.
