Are you craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and bursting with fresh, summery flavor? Look no further! This basic strawberry cupcake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. These delightful cupcakes are incredibly moist, delicately sweet, and offer a fantastic way to showcase the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight treat or an impressive addition to your next bake sale, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe book. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cupcakes
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and easy removal.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a light and fluffy cupcake.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease using a hand mixer or even a whisk.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
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Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the strawberries.
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Fill the Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
Baking the Cupcakes
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
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Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Making the Strawberry Frosting
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Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
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Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Incorporate Puree & Milk: Add the strawberry puree and milk, beating until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of milk for desired consistency.
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Vanilla & Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract. If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few more drops of strawberry extract.
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Frost: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the strawberry frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra moist cupcakes: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Different fruit: Substitute the strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry Swirl: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to half of the batter for a delicious chocolate swirl.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting twist.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
Enjoy your homemade strawberry cupcakes! They are a delicious and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe is a great way to enjoy homemade cooking and create delicious dishes that are sure to impress. These healthy meals are a tasty alternative to store-bought treats. This recipe is among the best recipes for a quick dinner idea or a delightful afternoon snack. Remember to adapt it to your tastes and preferences. Happy baking!