The first bite of my homemade strawberry cupcake takes me back to lazy summer afternoons filled with laughter and sunshine. As the sweet aroma of strawberries and vanilla fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. These Strawberry Cupcakes are not just a treat; they are a delightful escape from the ordinary, perfect for brightening up any day.
I stumbled upon this recipe while rummaging through my pantry, eager to switch things up from our usual dessert routine. Just the thought of fluffy cupcakes topped with a luscious strawberry frosting was enough to leave my friends and family counting down to dessert time! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these beauties in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for both spontaneous celebrations and quiet evenings at home.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet moment to yourself, these cupcakes bring the taste of summer straight to your kitchen. So, let’s dive into this Strawberry Cupcakes recipe and create some delicious memories!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
- These Strawberry Cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip them up in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- The delightful flavor of fresh strawberries intertwined with vanilla creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Their versatility means they can be enjoyed for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy nights in or dessert cravings.
- Not only do they taste amazing, but their beautiful pink hue and fluffy frosting make them a visually appealing treat that will impress your guests.
Strawberry Cupcakes Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base, giving your cupcakes that fluffy texture.
- Baking powder – Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully for a light and airy bite.
- Salt – A hint of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, and this helps to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- Canola or vegetable oil – Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds richness.
- Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and provides stability.
- Natural strawberry preserves – Infuses the batter with that delightful fruity essence, making these truly a Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet, comforting flavor profile.
- Red food coloring (optional) – Just a drop to intensify that lovely pink hue!
- Buttermilk – Ensures a tender crumb; you can substitute with regular milk if needed.
For Frosting (optional)
- Butter – For a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for easy spreading.
- Strawberry puree – Adds natural color and flavor to elevate your frosting game.
These ingredients come together to create a magical dessert experience that you and your loved ones will cherish!
How to Make Strawberry Cupcakes
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners, providing that perfect cozy hug for your cupcakes as they bake.
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Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; this aeration makes a significant difference in the fluffiness of your cupcakes. Set it aside and get excited about the magic that’s about to happen!
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Whisk the sugar and oil in a large bowl until well combined. This mixture will bring sweetness and a delightful moistness to your cupcakes—because who doesn’t love that perfect texture?
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated, creating a stable structure for our delightful cupcakes.
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Stir in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring. This step is when the fun begins—watch those vibrant colors and fruity aromas come to life!
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Mix in half of the dry ingredients until just combined. This is your first introduction to a beautiful batter; don’t overmix; we want light and fluffy strawberries to shine!
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Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. The buttermilk adds a lovely richness and flavor that will make your cupcakes irresistible—trust the process!
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Stir in the remaining dry ingredients just until blended. Again, be gentle here; overmixing can make your cupcakes tough instead of tender.
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Spoon the batter into the liners, filling each about ⅔ full. This will allow room for those lovely cupcakes to rise and become beautifully puffy!
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Bake for 15–18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly fragrance—be ready for taste buds to dance!
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Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Allowing them to cool is crucial; let those flavors develop even more while you prepare for the next delicious step!
Optional: Top with a swirl of strawberry frosting for a delightful finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Cupcakes Variations
Feel free to explore a world of flavors and textures that can take your Strawberry Cupcakes to delightful new heights!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring a delicious treat for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free milk, allowing everyone to enjoy the cupcakes without compromising flavor.
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Chocolate Swirl: Add ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to half the batter and swirl them together before baking. This delicious twist offers a decadent chocolate-strawberry fusion that’s irresistible.
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Additional Fruit: Fold in blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches for a playful berry medley, adding bursts of flavor throughout each cupcake—perfect for fruity lovers!
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate a tablespoon of lemon zest into the batter for a zingy contrast that beautifully enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Spiced Cupcakes: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice layer that beautifully complements the fruity notes—perfect for cozy evenings.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a delightful texture contrast that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
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Frosting Alternatives: Try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, or a chocolate ganache for a rich, luscious topping that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Each variation offers a chance to play and personalize, ensuring your cupcake experience is filled with warmth and creativity!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cupcakes?
Treat your taste buds to delightful pairings that will elevate your cupcake experience to new heights.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing complement that balances the sweetness of the cupcakes with zesty citrus notes, perfect for sunny days.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, it adds a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the light strawberry flavors of the cupcakes.
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Fresh Berries: Enhance the fruity experience by serving with a medley of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries—adding a burst of color and flavor.
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Whipped Cream: A light dollop brings a silky richness that melts in your mouth, creating a dreamy combination with your cupcakes.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A decadent touch that provides a luscious contrast to strawberry, making every bite a blissful fusion of flavors.
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Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, this classic drink cools off the palate and refreshes your senses, making it an ideal companion for dessert.
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Lemon Tart: For a sophisticated twist, pair these cupcakes with a tangy lemon tart that cuts through the sweetness and adds an elegant touch.
Each of these delightful options will perfectly accompany your Strawberry Cupcakes, making every bite a celebration of flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To do this, mix all the ingredients as instructed and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply let the batter sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before spooning it into liners and baking as usual. Additionally, you can make the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cool cupcakes, ensuring your delightful strawberry treats are just as delicious as if made fresh. This saves you time and helps you whip up a sweet surprise with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: Frosted cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to avoid sticking while keeping their delightful taste intact.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cupcakes, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and if desired, frost them before serving for that freshly-made feel!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift your dry ingredients for the Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe to ensure they are aerated, which leads to a lighter texture.
- When mixing the batter, add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition to create an even mixture that helps with the structure of the cupcakes.
- Be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the desired fluffy ones.
- Bake your cupcakes in a preheated 350°F oven and start checking for doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying them out.
- Always allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they maintain their moisture before frosting.
Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for those that are vibrant red, plump, and firm without any dark spots. A sweet aroma is also a good indicator of ripeness. Avoid those with mushy parts, as they may lead to a less-than-ideal cupcake flavor.
How should I store my Strawberry Cupcakes?
For unfrosted Strawberry Cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted them, they can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5 days. Just cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent sticking while maintaining their scrumptious taste!
Can I freeze my Strawberry Cupcakes?
Very! To freeze unfrosted Strawberry Cupcakes, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and frost just before serving for that freshly-made feel!
What should I do if my cupcakes come out dense?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! A dense cupcake can often result from overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. To avoid this, mix gently just until combined. Also, make sure to handle the batter lightly and check for doneness early—baking them longer than necessary can result in a tougher texture.
Are these Strawberry Cupcakes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! If you or someone you’re serving is gluten-intolerant, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose also includes xantham gum for the best texture. Always double-check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and strawberry preserves, are gluten-free as well.
Can I give these cupcakes to my pets?
While the fresh strawberries in the cupcakes are safe for some pets, the sugar and other ingredients could be harmful to them. It's always best to avoid giving your pets sweet treats, as they don’t digest sugar well. Stick to pet-friendly snacks to keep your furry friends safe!
Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk the sugar and oil in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring.
- Mix in half of the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add the buttermilk and mix until combined.
- Stir in the remaining dry ingredients just until blended.
- Spoon the batter into the liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Add strawberry puree and mix until well combined.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the strawberry frosting.
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