Decadent Strawberry Cupcake Sundaes

Name: Decadent Strawberry Cupcake Sundaes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped; ½ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Vanilla ice cream; Whipped cream; Chocolate shavings (optional); Extra strawberries for topping

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making decadent strawberry cupcake sundaes that blend the rich flavors of moist cupcakes with the freshness of ripe strawberries. This recipe has become a favorite in our household, perfect for special occasions or just a fun afternoon treat. Each bites brings together light, fluffy cupcakes, creamy ice cream, and sweet strawberry sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these sundae cupcakes are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:10:18.888Z

I really enjoy the process of creating these decadent strawberry cupcake sundaes. The combination of a freshly baked cupcake and homemade strawberry sauce gives me such joy. To make it perfect, I always opt for ripe, juicy strawberries; they make the sauce burst with flavor. When layering the cupcakes with ice cream, I ensure it’s a generous scoop for that perfect icy contrast.

One tip I highly recommend is to let your cupcakes cool completely before adding the ice cream and sauce. This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly. The layered textures, from the fluffy cupcake to the creamy ice cream, create a delightful experience in every bite, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see friends enjoying them.

Why You Will Love These Sundaes
Deliciously fluffy cupcakes paired with creamy ice cream
Sweet strawberry sauce that adds a burst of flavor
A fun and visually appealing dessert for all ages

Mastering the Cupcake Texture

To achieve fluffy and moist cupcakes, it’s crucial to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and airy. This process can take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. If you notice the mixture hasn’t lightened in color or texture, keep mixing! The incorporation of air bubbles is essential for the lift during baking, so don’t rush this step. Once you add the eggs, continue mixing until fully integrated, ensuring no streaks of egg remain.

Knowing how to measure your flour accurately can greatly affect the cupcake's texture. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. Scooping can compact the flour, leading to denser cupcakes. Additionally, if you find your cupcakes are coming out too dry, consider checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Baking soda and powder can also lose potency over time; make sure they’re fresh for optimal rise.

Perfecting the Strawberry Sauce

When preparing the strawberry sauce, don’t skip the step of cooking at medium heat. This allows the strawberries to soften correctly and release their natural juices. Stir occasionally while the mixture cooks to prevent sticking and burning. Expect the sauce to begin thickening after about 10 minutes; when this happens, remove it from heat and let it cool, which will also further thicken the sauce as it sits. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous sundae nights.

If you're looking for a twist on the classic strawberry flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract or a splash of balsamic vinegar during the cooking process. Both enhancements can deepen the flavor profile of the sauce. You can also substitute with frozen strawberries if fresh ones are out of season; just keep in mind that frozen berries may release more water, so you may need to cook it slightly longer to achieve the desired thickness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your decadent strawberry cupcake sundaes:

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk

For the Strawberry Sauce

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Extra strawberries for topping

Now that you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start making these delicious sundaes!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your decadent strawberry cupcake sundaes:

Make the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture alternately with milk until well combined. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries are soft and the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Sundaes

Once the cupcakes are cooled, cut the tops off and place the base in serving cups. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with strawberry sauce, and then replace the cupcake tops. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and extra strawberries.

Enjoy your beautifully assembled decadent strawberry cupcake sundaes!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, you can use different flavored ice creams or add layers of different fruits to your sundaes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftover cupcakes or strawberry sauce, storing them correctly is key to maintaining their quality. Cupcakes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before assembling them.

The strawberry sauce can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you find that it thickens too much after refrigeration, just warm it gently in a saucepan to loosen it up. This allows you to enjoy your sundae cupcakes anytime without the hassle of making everything from scratch each time.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

To create an impressive presentation for your sundae cupcakes, serve them in clear dessert cups or jars. This way, the layers of cupcake, ice cream, and strawberry sauce are all visible, making for an appealing visual treat. Top each sundae with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings to make it extra decadent. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.

For a fun twist, consider varying the ice cream flavors used in each sundae. Chocolate or strawberry ice cream can complement the overall flavor well, while vanilla ice cream provides a classic background. You can also mix in crushed graham crackers or nuts as a crunchy layer in-between the cupcake base and ice cream for an added texture that takes your sundae cupcakes to new heights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ What ice cream flavors work best?

While vanilla is classic, strawberry or chocolate ice cream also complement the cupcakes well.

→ How can I store leftovers?

If there are any leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble when ready to serve.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use raspberries or blueberries for the sauce or as toppings.