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Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Strawberry shortcake cupcakes with vanilla frosting and fresh berry garnish

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These handheld treats capture all the charm of classic strawberry shortcake—tender vanilla cake, juicy berries, and a cloud of creamy frosting. Perfect for a weekend project or a special occasion, they create a happy, flour-dusted mess in the kitchen that everyone can join.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Vanilla Cupcakes:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • For the Strawberry Filling:
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the Creamy Frosting:
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the strawberries by combining them with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Set aside to macerate.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  5. With mixer on low, alternately add dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  9. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy.
  10. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
  11. Once cupcakes are cool, use a small knife to remove a bit of the center from each. Fill with macerated strawberries and juice.
  12. Pipe or spread the creamy frosting on top of each cupcake. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice.

Notes

Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. Cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored airtight. Frosting is best made the day of serving.

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