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Strawberry Cupcakes

Moist strawberry cupcakes with creamy pink buttercream frosting close up

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These strawberry cupcakes are pure, simple comfort in a paper liner. The secret to their incredibly moist and tender crumb is creaming the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, a technique that traps air for a lighter texture. Real strawberry puree gives them a genuine, fresh berry flavor perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup strawberry puree (from about 3/4 cup fresh or thawed frozen strawberries)
  • For the Strawberry Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/3 cup strawberry puree
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Make strawberry puree by blending fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until completely smooth.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl.
  5. With mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk. Repeat, ending with the final third of flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in the 1/3 cup strawberry puree with a spatula until the batter is evenly pink.
  7. Divide batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  10. Add the vanilla, salt, and 1/3 cup strawberry puree. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale pink. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or a teaspoon of milk if needed.
  11. Frost the completely cooled cupcakes generously with a piping bag or offset spatula.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting. For gluten-free cupcakes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.

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