As I wandered through a sun-drenched strawberry field last summer, I couldn’t help but dream about baking something magical with those juicy, red gems. That inspiration turned into these delightful Strawberry Cupcakes, sure to be a hit at any gathering. Soft, moist, and filled with luscious strawberry jam, these cupcakes are topped with a decadent strawberry cream cheese frosting that feels like pure indulgence. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also whip up quickly, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings. So, if you’re ready to elevate your baking game with a sweet treat that captures the essence of summer, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into creating these irresistible Strawberry Cupcakes together! What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think of strawberries?
What makes strawberry cupcakes so special?
Freshness Factor: These cupcakes are bursting with real strawberry flavor, thanks to fresh strawberries and homemade jam.
Decadent Frosting: The creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that elevates each bite.
Quick and Easy: Despite the gourmet results, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of any skill level.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for summer picnics, birthday celebrations, or just a delightful afternoon snack alongside tea!
Great for Sharing: These irresistibly soft and fluffy cupcakes will impress friends and family alike, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For more sweet inspirations, check out our Matcha Cupcakes Deliciously or try a fresh twist with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos.
Strawberry Cupcake Ingredients
• Dive into the sweetness of these strawberry cupcakes with the perfect ingredients!
For the Cupcakes
- Quartered fresh strawberries (10 oz / 283 g) – Provide the primary flavor for the cupcake filling; you can substitute with raspberries for a slightly tart twist.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150 g) – Sweetens the cupcakes; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Cake flour (1 1/4 cup / 140 g) – Creates a delicate texture for the cupcakes; all-purpose flour can work but will alter the fluffiness.
- Baking powder (3/4 tsp) & Baking soda (1/8 tsp) – Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (5 tbsp / 70 g) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Egg whites (2) – They contribute to a lighter texture; using room temperature egg whites yields the best results.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp) – Provides fragrant flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup / 120 ml) – Adds moisture and tenderness; use room temperature for better mixing.
For the Strawberry Jam Filling
- Granulated sugar (6 tbsp / 75 g) – Sweetens the jam; feel free to adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp / 15 ml) – Enhances the flavor of the jam; fresh lemon juice is highly recommended.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese (4 oz / 114 g) – This creamy base is a key for the frosting; use cold cream cheese for best mixing.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 112 g) – Adds a luscious base for the frosting; make sure it’s softened.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups / 325 g) – Offers a sweet touch to the frosting; add gradually to achieve your desired sweetness.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (3/4 cup / 15 g) – Intense strawberry flavor for the frosting; must be finely ground before use.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to create some unforgettable strawberry cupcakes that will capture your heart and taste buds!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Jam
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine quartered fresh strawberries, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir frequently, cooking for 15 to 17 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. You’ll know it’s ready when you can draw a line on the bottom of the pan. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups cake flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, in another bowl, cream together 5 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 room temperature egg whites and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing well before alternating the addition of the dry ingredients with 1/2 cup of room temperature buttermilk until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. Fill each liner with the cupcake batter, about 3/4 full, to allow for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 4 ounces of cold cream cheese, mixing until smooth. Next, sift in 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and combine until creamy. Lastly, fold in 3/4 cup of finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring a beautifully pink, flavorful frosting.
Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Cupcakes
Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, carefully core the centers of the cooled cupcakes. Fill each cupcake with a generous spoonful of the cooled strawberry jam, ensuring it’s nestled inside. Finally, pipe the strawberry cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake, creating a beautiful swirl that showcases the delightful strawberry cupcakes.
Strawberry Cupcake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize these cupcakes and make them truly your own with these delightful alternatives!
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Raspberry Jam: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry for a tangy twist. Unique and fruity, it adds a new flavor dimension.
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Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free blend in place of cake flour for a gluten-free version. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious!
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Coconut Cream Frosting: For a tropical flair, replace the cream cheese in the frosting with whipped coconut cream. It’s light, airy, and oh-so-delicious.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes for an indulgent touch. It provides a rich contrast to the fruity flavor, making each bite a treat!
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Mini Cupcakes: Bake the batter in a mini cupcake tray for fun bite-sized treats. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet snack!
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Zesty Lemon Addition: Add the zest of one lemon to the cupcake batter for an extra zing! It beautifully complements the strawberry flavor.
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Frozen Strawberry Puree: Use frozen strawberries blended into a puree instead of fresh in the jam. It’s an easy alternative if fresh strawberries aren’t available.
As you whip up these scrumptious cupcakes, why not also explore our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for a delightful dessert mashup? You can’t go wrong experimenting with flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These tender strawberry cupcakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the strawberry jam filling up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor. The cupcake batter can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours prior to baking—just be sure to cover it well to maintain moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the cupcakes, cool them, and assemble as instructed. For the frosting, whip it up and refrigerate it for up to 2 days; just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping. Enjoy effortless baking with these delightful strawberry cupcakes!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cupcakes
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Accurate Measurements: Measure flour by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping to avoid excess, ensuring perfect strawberry cupcakes every time.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter and tender cupcakes.
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Jam Filling: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to hollow out the centers of cupcakes easily, making jam filling a breeze.
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Frosting Consistency: If your frosting becomes too warm, chill it briefly to maintain a perfect piping consistency for those gorgeous swirls.
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Cooling Time: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and keeps the layers intact.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. Frosting should be added just before serving for freshness.
Fridge: If you have leftover frosted cupcakes, keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted strawberry cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cupcakes, gently reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; do not overheat, as it may dry them out.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cupcakes
What goes best with these sweet, fluffy delights?
From charming beverages to delightful sides, let’s create a full experience that pairs beautifully with your strawberry cupcakes.
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Fresh Berries: A bowl of mixed berries brightens your dessert table and complements the strawberry flavor, adding a burst of freshness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream creates a dreamy contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting, enhancing the indulgent experience.
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Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, especially strawberry or mint-flavored, pairs beautifully with the sweetness, balancing flavors with herbal notes.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simplistic yet decadent chocolate drizzle adds an unexpected rich contrast, perfecting the elegance of your cupcakes and enticing chocolate lovers.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside the strawberry cupcakes provides an amazing temperature contrast and elevates the overall texture experience.
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Lemonade: A chilled glass of tangy lemonade offers a zesty counterpoint to the sweetness of the cupcakes, making for a refreshing pairing on a sunny day.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee, especially a light roast, enhances sweet flavors and adds a comforting touch, making dessert feel even more special.
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Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti serves as a delightful textured complement while providing a nutty flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the sweet strawberry cupcakes.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad featuring strawberries, blueberries, and citrus can act as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet treats!
Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for the cupcakes?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free of dark spots. They should smell sweet; that’s a great indicator of flavor! If you’re unable to find fresh strawberries, frozen or freeze-dried strawberries can work in specific parts of the recipe but may alter the final taste.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Very good question! If you have leftover strawberry cupcakes, store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, while in the fridge, they can last up to 4 days. Always let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!
Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes?
Certainly! To freeze unfrosted strawberry cupcakes, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and frost as desired.
What if my cupcake batter is too thick?
If you find your cupcake batter is thicker than expected, try adding a splash of buttermilk or milk to loosen it slightly. This will help achieve that lovely, fluffy texture. Just make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the batter!
Are these cupcakes safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this strawberry cupcake recipe does not include any nut ingredients, making it a safe option for those with nut allergies. However, always check labels to ensure that no cross-contamination occurs if you’re using packaged ingredients.
What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your cream cheese frosting ends up too runny, simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For stubborn frosting, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes can also help firm it up, making it easier to pipe.
Tender Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine quartered fresh strawberries, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir frequently, cooking for 15 to 17 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing well before alternating dry ingredients with buttermilk.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Fill each liner with batter about 3/4 full; bake for 16 to 18 minutes.
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat softened unsalted butter on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add cold cream cheese and blend until smooth. Sift in powdered sugar and combine until creamy.
- Fold in finely ground freeze-dried strawberries.
- Core the centers of cooled cupcakes and fill with strawberry jam.
- Pipe the strawberry cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake, creating a swirl.
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