Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes, especially during the spring when strawberries are at their best. The vibrant colors and delightful aroma of fresh strawberries fill my kitchen, and each bite offers a burst of sweetness that’s hard to resist. It's a joy to create these fluffy cupcakes topped with a creamy strawberry frosting. They not only look beautiful but also taste heavenly, making them the perfect treat for any occasion or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.
When I first tried making Strawberry Cupcakes, I was surprised at how easy they were to whip up. I used fresh strawberries in both the batter and the frosting, which not only gave them a lovely color but an incredible flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. I recommend letting the strawberries macerate in a bit of sugar before adding them to the batter; this enhances their sweetness and adds a nice moisture to the cupcakes.
One detail that really makes these cupcakes special is the lightness of the frosting. I mix in cream cheese with whipped cream to achieve that fluffy texture that balances the sweetness perfectly. Plus, adding a bit of lemon juice gives it a refreshing zing that complements the strawberries beautifully. I can’t get enough of these delightful treats!
Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
- Bright and fresh strawberry flavor in every bite
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for spring gatherings or birthday parties
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful cupcakes:
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to bake!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect cupcakes:
Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until fluffy. Incorporate eggs and milk, mixing well. Gently fold in diced strawberries.
Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners. Fill each liner three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese, then add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice.
Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired. Enjoy!
Now, enjoy your delicious Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes!
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your frosting. You can also experiment by substituting strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
→ How do I store the cupcakes?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
→ Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes
I absolutely love making Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes, especially during the spring when strawberries are at their best. The vibrant colors and delightful aroma of fresh strawberries fill my kitchen, and each bite offers a burst of sweetness that’s hard to resist. It's a joy to create these fluffy cupcakes topped with a creamy strawberry frosting. They not only look beautiful but also taste heavenly, making them the perfect treat for any occasion or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.
What You'll Need
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until fluffy. Incorporate eggs and milk, mixing well. Gently fold in diced strawberries.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners. Fill each liner three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese, then add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your frosting. You can also experiment by substituting strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g