Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances fruity freshness with luscious creaminess, then you will adore this Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are the ultimate treat for any occasion, offering tender, fluffy cake infused with real chopped strawberries and topped with a heavenly whipped cream frosting crowned by sweet, juicy strawberry pieces. Whether you are hosting a summer gathering or simply want a special sweet treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes deliver both stunning flavor and charming presentation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together with straightforward ease, each playing a crucial role in crafting cupcakes that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. From the soft butter that enriches the batter to the fresh strawberries that infuse natural sweetness and color, every element is essential to perfecting this classic dessert.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure needed for cupcakes to rise and hold their shape.
• Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully into soft, airy morsels.
• Salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring a balanced taste.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake batter perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, comforting aroma that complements the berries.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and helps dissolve the baking powder evenly.
• Fresh strawberries (finely chopped): Infuse juicy bursts of flavor throughout the cupcake base.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks for that perfect cream topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for smooth frosting.
• Fresh strawberries (diced and optional whole): Provide a fresh, colorful topping and garnish for inviting presentation.

How to Make Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and cupcake liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This initial setup is vital to ensure evenly baked and perfectly shaped cupcakes.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This careful blending ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which helps your cupcakes rise uniformly without any salty pockets.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key for introducing air, which results in that coveted tender crumb in your cupcakes.

Step 4: Incorporate eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract for a fragrant, soulful base flavor that hits just the right note alongside the fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Alternate dry ingredients and milk

Add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined. This gentle folding avoids overworking the batter, which keeps cupcakes tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in chopped strawberries

Now, carefully fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. This step is where your cupcakes gain that juicy, fruity surprise effect in every bite, giving them a distinctive character unlike any other.

Step 7: Bake the cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Once done, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the cream topping

While cupcakes cool, whip the heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This luscious cream will be the crowning glory, adding a smooth, airy contrast to the fruity cake.

Step 9: Assemble the cupcakes

Once cupcakes are fully cooled, top each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream. Spoon a few diced strawberries on top for bright, fresh flavor bursts and add a whole strawberry for a stunning, classic garnish if you desire.

How to Serve Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a whole strawberry or a small sprig of mint not only amps up the visual appeal but also introduces a natural aroma and texture contrast that delights the senses with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a simple cup of freshly brewed tea or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. Their light, fruity profile complements beverages that are refreshing and not overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for an elegant touch at parties. For a playful twist, consider inserting a small fresh strawberry on top of each whipped cream swirl with a decorative toothpick, making them perfect for gatherings or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain the freshness of the cream topping and the delicate crumb of the cake. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the cream topping to ensure the best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve the cupcakes slightly warm, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature for just a few minutes before frosting. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting the cream topping prematurely.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they retain their texture and flavor better. Frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture, which can affect the cupcake batter’s consistency, but if needed, thaw and drain them thoroughly before use.

How do I prevent the whipped cream topping from melting?

Keep the cupcakes refrigerated until just before serving. Whip the cream to stiff peaks and add powdered sugar to stabilize it, which helps maintain its shape longer at room temperature.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using coconut cream or another dairy-free whipping cream can work. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly differ from the original.

What is the best way to chop strawberries for the batter?

Finely chop strawberries into small pieces, about the size of a pea. This ensures even distribution and prevents the batter from becoming too wet in any one spot.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients accordingly and use additional muffin tins or bake in batches. Baking time should remain similar, but always check with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes Recipe is truly a gem to have in your dessert repertoire. From the tender crumb filled with fresh strawberries to the fluffy whipped cream topping adorned with more berries, every bite feels like a warm hug. I can’t encourage you enough to try making these cupcakes yourself and enjoy the cheerful smiles they bring to your table.

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